July 31, 2025 - Carlisle, PA
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker visited the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps crew at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center in Cumberland County to mark the program's 10th anniversary and highlight its growing impact on workforce development and environmental stewardship.Since its creation, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps has offered hands-on conservation job training to more than 1,400 young people ages 15 to 25 - building skills, supporting career readiness, and improving public lands across the Commonwealth.Under Governor Josh Shapiro's leadership, DCNR has expanded conservation efforts in the Commonwealth by strengthening the Outdoor Corps workforce development initiative. The Governor's 2024-25 bipartisan budget invests $5 million to enhance and grow the program, increasing job training and stewardship skills for more young people. The investment supports hiring additional staff and restructuring the program into a regional model to improve efficiency, expand recruitment, and strengthen community partnerships.Speaker List:Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, Conservation & Natural ResourcesSecretary Nancy Walker, Labor & IndustryMike Piaskowski, Manager, Pennsylvania Outdoor CorpsQuinn Heist, Project Leader, Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps