Forterra is proud to announce that it is awarding a Community Restoration Grant to Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), based in Tacoma, Washington.

Northwest Youth Corps provides a challenging education and job-training experience that helps youth and young adults develop the skills they need to lead full and productive lives. 

With this grant funding, NYC will support urban restoration, green job training, and wilderness immersion for 16 teens from across the Puget Sound region. Participants are recruited from and serve in communities like Tacoma, Lakewood, and Olympia, which have lower household incomes and greater health disparities than Washington State as a whole. By serving in their neighborhoods, participants help restore access to nature in the places that need it most. 

Over five weeks, students work to restore public sites, from Metro Parks Tacoma to the City of Olympia, gaining hands-on skills such as pruning, planting, invasive species removal, and more. Each teen earns a stipend of up to $2,600 for their service. However, this is far more than a summer job. Students also dive into environmental science, conflict resolution, and career readiness, and can even receive college credit through an accredited curriculum, preparing them for futures in conservation and beyond.

 In the final week, students travel to Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, or the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for an immersive outdoor experience. For many, this is their first time visiting the familiar mountain they see from their neighborhoods. Limited family income, lack of transportation, and other barriers keep these iconic places out of reach. Participants learn new outdoor skills, such as how to camp and prepare outdoor meals, while still taking part in restoration projects.

Congratulations to Northwest Youth Corps! We are so grateful for the work you do.