Currently, 15 dedicated eeCorps members are serving at 13 different environmental and outdoor learning organizations across Colorado as part of the AmeriCorps program. Together, they reach more than 25,000 learners annually—sparking curiosity, inspiring action, and helping young people form lasting connections to nature, community, and a sense of purpose.

But the impact doesn’t stop there. Since the program’s inception five years ago, over 70 unique AmeriCorps members have served through eeCorps, reaching over 93,000 learners across Colorado. That’s 93,000 moments of awe, wonder, empowerment, and connection sparked by passionate educators who are helping build a brighter, stronger future for Colorado—one learner at a time. 

These members aren’t just teaching science or leading nature hikes. They’re mentors, motivators, and changemakers, meeting students exactly where they are and helping them see themselves as part of something bigger.

Take Micah, serving with the School Food Project in Boulder. After a program on food waste, a student ran up to Micah and asked, “How else can I help the environment?” As Micah shared suggestions—composting, turning off the tap, picking up litter—the student replied, “I already do that!”

Sensing a deeper yearning, Micah shifted the conversation to something even more powerful: collective action. “Since you’re already doing your part, the best thing you can do now is help others do theirs.” That moment planted a seed—and sparked hope for the kind of leadership we’ll need for the future.

Or take Tianna, serving with The Greenway Foundation in Denver. Tianna has seen firsthand how logistical challenges—like bus shortages—can block access to field trips. But when one school’s buses were canceled, they didn’t give up. Instead, the students walked to a nearby park, and Tianna and her team brought the program to them. Even in the cold wind, the energy was palpable. “Every single kid was excited to be there,” Tianna said. “They were engaged, curious, and just so happy to be outside.”

Stories like these happen every day because of the passion and perseverance of AmeriCorps members. At a time when many feel disconnected from nature and overwhelmed by environmental challenges, our eeCorps members are building bridges—between learners and the outdoors, between personal choices and community change.

The eeCorps program not only provides transformational, hands-on learning experiences to thousands of students. It also prepares AmeriCorps members for future careers in environmental and outdoor learning. As one eeCorps member from the 2022–2023 cohort shared:

“I grew as an educator who is able to successfully teach lessons, gained experience connecting with community members and partner organizations, and grew more confident in myself as a young professional.”

Over 30% of these members have been hired by their host sites, continuing their service as part of the environmental and outdoor education field. Site partners have seen this impact firsthand. One supervisor reflected:

“Because of our partnership [with the eeCorps], we were able to reach a wider audience of individuals, create outreach programming we did not have capacity for, and find new ways to engage visitors on site. We could not have achieved what we did this past year without our AmeriCorps member.” 

That’s why we’re deeply concerned about recent developments that threaten national service programs across the country. The sudden removal of AmeriCorps NCCC members from their posts and the placement of 85% of AmeriCorps agency staff on administrative leave could have serious consequences for programs like ours. These changes could delay or cancel critical partnerships and reduce opportunities for thousands of young people to serve their communities through AmeriCorps.

The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) is proud to help bring the eeCorps program to life in Colorado—and we remain committed to supporting our members and the communities they serve. Now more than ever, we need to lift up the impact of national service and advocate for continued investment in AmeriCorps programs that make a real difference, every day, in communities across Colorado and the nation.

We urge our community to stand with service. Let your members of Congress know that AmeriCorps matters. Together, we can ensure the next generation of environmental leaders has the support they need to keep making a difference—for our planet, and for all of us.

🔗 Learn how you can support AmeriCorps through Voices for National Service

🔗 Learn more about eeCorps Members Stories

About the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) 

Environmental and outdoor education experiences are like charging stations that power up learning and enhance skills that will help Coloradans care for our world and sustain it for future generations. For over 30 years, the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education has been supporting the network of over 850 educators in classrooms, nonprofits, nature centers, government agencies, higher education, businesses, and more who build these experiences with opportunities for professional development, generating and sharing new ideas, and community support.  Together, we are wiring up an extensive circuitry of rich contexts and collaborators in environmental and outdoor learning that support ALL schools, families, and communities across Colorado. To learn more about the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education visit www.caee.org.