[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATION 
                                 CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 22, 1998

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 15th 
anniversary of the San Francisco Conservation Corps.
  In 1983, the San Francisco Conservation Corps was one of the first 
urban youth corps ever established to combine job skills training and 
academic enhancement. Fifteen years later, over 200 million hours of 
community service have been performed by the San Francisco Conservation 
Corps and 130 youth corps groups have been created nationwide.
  In San Francisco, Corpsmembers who range in age from 12 to 24 years 
provide a range of public benefit services while engaged in academic 
enrichment programs. Corpsmembers perform community outreach in 
schools, seismic retrofit and lead dust reduction in homes for low-
income residents, install play structures for children, preserve and 
restore native habitats in the Presidio and coordinate neighborhood 
projects based on needs assessments conducted by high school aged 
Corpsmembers--to list just a few of their community contributions.
  Through the San Francisco Conservation Corps Center's Environment-
Community-Outreach Center (ECO), The Learning Center, and the Community 
Service and Training Center, urban youth learn the importance of 
teamwork, leadership, community service, and academic achievement. Most 
importantly, Corpsmembers develop a ``can-do'' attitude building self 
confidence.
  The ECO Center provides job training, environmental education, and 
academic programs to adolescents and young adults in the Corps. This 
specialized training engages participants in technological and multi-
media skills and activities necessary to prepare for today's job 
market.
  The Learning Center focuses on challenging Corpsmembers to reach 
their highest level of educational achievement and aids in successful 
job placement. As a result, Corpsmembers are encouraged toward a 
commitment to life-long learning.
  The Community Service and Training Center prepares young adults for a 
career and higher education. It serves to provide participants with 
confidence, strong work ethics, and responsibility to become effective 
community leaders.
  On Saturday, September 26, 1998, the San Francisco Conservation Corps 
will host their 15th anniversary celebration. I salute the San 
Francisco Conservation Corps, its youth, staff and supporters for the 
important contribution to empowering urban youth to improve their lives 
while also working to improve San Francisco neighborhood communities.
  Congratulations to the Corps on its 15th Anniversary. Our community 
appreciates and celebrates the Corps' leadership in support of youth, 
education and training, and community service. I extend special thanks 
and congratulations to Corpsmembers, Staff, Board Members, Executive 
Director Ann Cochrane, and Justice J. Anthony Kline on this special 
occasion.

                          ____________________