Topic(s):
Accessibility, Conservation, Neurodiversity, Workforce Development, Youth

Description:
In its 13th season, Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District’s Student Conservation Corps (SCOCO) is an employment learning opportunity for high school-age teens, incorporating outdoor education and hands-on learning in conservation work. Neurodiverse Student Conservation Corps, an expansion of the popular SCOCO Program, serves a need identified by park district staff and educators with the Bainbridge Island School District. The program creates an environment where teens can learn the job skills necessary to pursue career and educational opportunities in conservation-related fields after high school. Join program leads, Cody Ogren and Morgan Houk, to learn about how SCOCO became an integral part of Bainbridge Island Metro Park’s Natural Resources workforce, the logistics of hiring and managing nearly 50 teens throughout the summer and additional considerations for working with neurodivergent young adults. Attendees will leave with an understanding of concrete learning objectives, but also feeling inspired to create inclusive outdoor opportunities for their community’s young people.

Speaker(s):
Morgan Houk
Cody Ogren