The Corps Network Honors Three Corps for Excellence in Corps Operations at Annual Forum

Washington, DC, February 13, 2007—This morning The Corps Network will honor three Corps for achieving Excellence in Corps Operations (ECO) status at an award ceremony on Capitol Hill. ECO is a peer assessment process which recognizes Corps that make a commitment to high-quality standards and continuous improvement. The ECO Corps include: Northwest Piedmont Service Corps (NC), Operation Fresh Start (WI) and Western Colorado Conservation Corps.

The ECO assessment process is an intense review or Corps operations performed by peers in the field and experts at The Corps Network. Corps are evaluated in a variety of areas such as financial management, program design and service projects. Northwest Piedmont Conservation Corps, Operation Fresh Start and Western Colorado Conservation Corps have joined an elite group of Corps in completing this demanding process.

According to Sally Prouty, President of The Corps Network, “Excellence in Corps Operations is a great way for Corps to achieve and track success. I am thrilled to recognize Northwest Piedmont Service Corps, Operation Fresh Start and Western Colorado Conservation Corps for this wonderful achievement. They strive for excellence and we are delighted to acknowledge their hard work.”

About The Corps Network
The Corps Network is the voice of the nation’s 113 Service and Conservation Corps. Currently operating in 42 states and the District of Columbia, Corps annually enroll more than 23,000 young men and women who contribute about 13 million hours of service per year. In 2004, Corps mobilized 124,000 community volunteers who contributed over 2.4 million additional hours of service.

Established in 1985 as the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps (NASCC), The Corps Network was at the forefront of the national service movement and remains so today. Corps are state and local programs engaging primarily young adults (ages 16-25) in service. The majority of Corpsmembers come to Corps looking for a second chance to succeed in life. In return for their efforts, Corpsmembers receive guidance by adult leaders who serve as mentors and role models, a modest stipend and a wide range of member development services
including significant educational opportunities, employment and training, life skill
development, and the opportunity to invest in their communities.

For more information, visit www.corpsnetwork.org or contact: Patrick Fitzgerald, The Corps Network at pfitzgerald@corpsnetwork.org or at (202) 737-6272.

Contact:

Patrick Fitzgerald
The Corps Network, Communications Director
(202) 737-6272
pfitzgerald@corpsnetwork.org

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