21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2016

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2016

This bill establishes a 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) that provides work and training opportunities for youth and veterans in certain federal agencies. Work and training provided in 21CSC must involve:

• protecting, restoring, and enhancing natural, cultural, and historical resources and treasures, including public and tribal land or water;
• supporting outdoor recreation and urban green spaces;
• restoring and safeguarding U.S. natural resources; or
• service that is primarily indoors with a clear benefit for natural, cultural, or historic resources or treasures.

Participating federal agencies may develop public-private partnerships with organizations to support and carry out 21CSC projects.

Participating federal agencies must compensate 21CSC participants with a wage, a stipend, a living allowance, or an educational credit at a participating institution of higher education.

Participating federal agencies must also provide participants with: (1) job skill development; (2) community skill development to help participants acquire an ethic of service to others and become more effective resource and community stewards; and (3) a greater understanding of U.S. natural, cultural, or historic resources or treasures.