Mile High Youth Corps

A nonprofit organization

$28,580 raised by 96 donors

100% complete

$25,000 Goal

Mile High Youth Corps is a nonprofit social enterprise powered by a network of young adults ages 18-24 who are justice-focused, committed to creating sustainable communities and pursuing a meaningful path to career success. As a leader in positive youth development, workforce development and community-based service, our Youth Corps completes conservation, construction and healthcare projects across 23 Colorado counties. For over 30 years, our work is making a difference for communities today and building a stronger workforce for tomorrow. 

MHYC is grounded in equity and our staff and Corpsmembers are empowered to guide our decision-making, our culture and our relationships with one another and our communities.

Testimonials

To date, MHYC has served over 4,900 Corpsmembers, provided over $4.9 million in AmeriCorps education awards, and delivered 2+ million hours of service. Corpsmembers have constructed or improved over 420 miles of trail or rivers, helped build over 1,380 affordable housing units, and retrofitted over 42,000 low-income homes for energy and water savings. MHYC alumni from years past are forest rangers, wildland firefighters, electricians, certified nurse assistants, community non-profit leaders and advocates of the environment. 

 Corpsmembers Achievements Include:  

  • 115,890 total hours of service completed
  • $380,003 in AmeriCorps education award funds received
  • 86% successfully completed their term of service
  • 85% earned an AmeriCorps education award to be used towards post-secondary education
  • 90% self-reported that MHYC had a positive impact on their life and future

 

Community and Environmental Impact:

  • 16.5 acres of land thinned for fire mitigation
  • 41,629 noxious weeds removed
  • 40 miles of trail or rivers improved
  • Over 1,500 low-income homes retrofitted to install energy & water conservation measures
  • $164,000 annual energy savings for income-qualified homes

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Phillip P. began his journey at MHYC-Southern Front Range as a Land Conservation Leader in 2021, leading both trail and saw crews. He returned in 2022 as a Senior Crew Leader, furthering his technical skills and providing the opportunity to help train this year’s cohort of crew leaders. Peers have noted that Phillip excels at inclusivity, empowerment and mentorship. He fundamentally understands MHYC’s goals and is passionate about youth development.

Much of the program’s success in 2022 can be attributed to Phillip’s versatility and willingness to support every crew. He volunteered to join crews in the field when they were short-staffed. Phillip assisted in trail trainings and was an evaluator for the S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws training. Over time, he built skills to manage conflict within and between crews while applying a growth mindset to each challenge. Phillip is invested in the work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and created thoughtful Land Acknowledgements with associated discussion questions for every unique project location. He continues to find ways to improve the functionality of the MHYC warehouse, improve trainings, and involve the greater Pikes Peak community in the program.

Giving Activity

Mission

The mission of Mile High Youth Corps is to help youth make a difference in themselves and their community through meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences.

Background Statement

Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) was founded as Year One, Inc. by Boulder County Commissioner Josie Heath in 1992. Rooted in the tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, Year One addressed the employment and educational needs of youth by putting them to work on projects that benefited the community. Primarily focused on conservation and neighborhood improvement, Year One gave youth the chance to earn, learn and serve in their community. In 2000, Year One changed its name to Mile High Youth Corps to better reflect its mission and goals. In 2009, the Corps merged with Colorado Legends and Legacies Youth Corps, creating an MHYC field office in Colorado Springs. During its 30 year history, the Corps has successfully transitioned from a small, seasonal, neighborhood-based organization to a comprehensive, year-round regional agency, serving 23 counties throughout metro Denver and the Southern Front Range of Colorado. By integrating paid work experience on community projects with career exploration, education and life-skills training, the Corps helps youth participants, called Corpsmembers, succeed in the classroom, the workforce and everyday life. Through hands-on service, young adults gain the knowledge, skills and motivation they need to make positive changes in their community, their own lives and the world.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Mile High Youth Corps

other names

Mile High Youth Corps, MHYC, Year One, Inc.

Year Established

1992

Tax id (EIN)

84-1182631

Category

Youth Development

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

1801 Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80204

Other

6740 E. Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80220

Other

417 E. Vermijo Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Other

953 Decatur St.
Denver, CO 80204

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

El Paso County, CO, US

Phone

3034331206

Other

303-433-1206

Other

720-407-7281

Other

719-630-7421

Other

720-974-0500

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