Greencorps Chicago creates positive change both in the lives of our trainees and in the communities they live and work in.

Greencorps actively serves those with barriers to employment. On average, 76% of our trainees report that they have a criminal background and 62% are unemployed when they start the program. After graduation, however, employment peaks around 81%.  65% of those jobs are in green fields.

During the program, Greencorps trainees have worked an average of 23,760 hours in the field. In addition to these project hours, trainees log over 100 volunteer hours each year.

Participant Testimonials

“Greencorps has done so much for me…I’m so glad that I picked up the phone, because it has truly changed my life.” – Orlando Bennett

“My proudest moment was participating in my second prescribed burn which turned out to be one of the biggest and most successful in Greencorps history at nearly 400 acres.” – Lisa Oliphant

“Before Greencorps I never would have thought that I would be in this field, but now I am leading crews and teaching them what I’ve learned and it feels amazing.” – Matthew Smith

Environmental Impact

Over the course of the program, trainees make environmental impacts on trails, trees, trash and more. Greencorps plants an average of 100 trees throughout the Chicago region each year, restores 1200 acres through ecological restoration, and manages 200 acres of invasive species.