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For Immediate Release

CORPS PROJECT ENGAGING YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES LAUNCHED

The Corps Network Launches an Inclusive Crew Project at the Utah Conservation Corps with Sponsorship from the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

Washington, DC. June 25, 2007— Today the Utah Conservation Corps becomes the first of several sites to pilot an inclusive crew program as part of The Corps Network’s Inclusive Crew Project, a partnership with Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation.

The Utah Conservation Corps will engage six young people with and without disabilities in service projects focused on conservation throughout the summer. The project utilizes an expansion of the Corps model developed with a group of national experts in the field of inclusion.

The inclusive crew will work on numerous projects during the summer, all of which focus on creating increased access for persons with disabilities. Projects include “transition planning” in which Corpsmembers will assess and increase accessibility in trail systems and “garden demonstration projects” where members will develop and expand gardens by building raised beds, making both maintenance and overall use more accessible. The projects provide the youth with job skills, educational scholarships and a sense of accomplishment.

Rayna Aylward, Executive Director of the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, said of the project, “We're very excited about partnering with The Corps Network on a project that could profoundly impact both individuals and communities. It changes the paradigm of youth with disabilities from being recipients to providers of services, and it focuses on abilities rather than disabilities.”

The crew will be led by two young adults. Andy Zimmer, an inspiration for the project’s inception, will serve as one of the crew leaders. Andy, who was severely injured after a bicycling accident in 2005, was recognized nationally by the Corps Network as a Corpsmember of the Year in 2006 for his accomplishments with Utah Conservation Corps. In 2006, Andy wrote, “Within an hour of my accident, I realized that my life was going to take on new meaning and that I wanted to do accessible outdoor recreation with a focus on conservation and sustainability. I know firsthand what the outdoors does for people and I want all people of all abilities to have the opportunity to get out there.”

Upon completion of the Utah Conservation Corps crew’s work this year, at least two more programs will implement the model in 2008. In the third year of the project a format for developing the tested model will be developed and disseminated to the network of more than 110 Corps nationwide. The goal is that existing programs working with youth with disabilities will expand as a result, and many new programs with this focus will take root.

About the Utah Conservation Corps
The Utah Conservation Corps is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to improving the quality of public lands and the communities surrounding them through partnership projects, service and education. The Utah Conservation Corps is primarily funded through an AmeriCorps grant from the Utah Commission on Volunteers and generates other needed revenue through partnership projects. UCC engages more than 70 young people annual to complete nearly 65,000 hours of service projects.

About the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation
The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, based in the Washington, DC area, was established in 1991 by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan and the Mitsubishi Electric U.S. companies, which produce, sell and distribute a wide range of consumer, industrial, commercial and professional electronics products. With a current endowment of $20 million, the Foundation has contributed nearly $8 million to organizations assisting young Americans with disabilities to lead fuller and more productive lives.

About The Corps Network
The Corps Network is the voice of the nation’s 113 Service and Conservation Corps. Currently operating in 41 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.