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community colleges including programs like the Nursing programs, HVAC, Auto -mechanical,
<br />and so many other programs, as these are career pathways to a livable wage in Orange County.
<br />Another critical tool used at our campus is the benefit of an education. These numbers are
<br />highlighted at the campus: "College graduates, on average, earned 56% more than high school
<br />grads in 2015, according to data compiled by the Economic Policy Institute. That was up from
<br />51 % in 1999 and is the largest such gap in EPI's figures dating to 1973. Since the Great
<br />Recession ended in 2009, college -educated workers have captured most of the new jobs and
<br />enjoyed pay gains. Non -college grads, by contrast, have faced dwindling job opportunities and
<br />an overall 3% decline in income, EPI's data shows."
<br />The OCCC Leadership and Development Team focuses on further skills acquisition. Each youth
<br />completes 4-phases of their development, ranked according to leadership components: work
<br />readiness, certifications, high school diploma, attendance rate, disciplinary write-ups,
<br />S.M.A.R.T. goal attainment, leadership activities engaged in at OCCC, and performance
<br />reviews. Each phase is represented by a belt, orange, green, silver and black. Team sports,
<br />including basketball and soccer tournaments, all-star games, staff vs. student games, and games
<br />against local area Conservation Corps are included in this, "phases process." Youth are
<br />encouraged to participate in team activities to bring out the best in their social, emotional, and
<br />physical wellness. Annual picnics, holiday party meals, family Christmas and Thanksgiving
<br />meals allow for Corpsmember appreciation events, recognition for achievement, and phase
<br />advancement.
<br />The Laguna Canyon Foundation's Executive Director Hallie Jones has provided a letter of Intent
<br />to continue support including educational training for Corpsmembers in conservation,
<br />environmental stewardship, and habitat restoration. OCCC and The Laguna Canyon Foundation
<br />complete several extensive training programs a year for youth in programs, followed by hands on
<br />training in habitat restoration, trail restoration, and natural science (erosion, water science, native
<br />vs non-native).
<br />Josh Volp, Director of Operations, has served OCCC for 19 years. In those years, Josh has nearly
<br />seen it all. "Crews" of Corpsmembers are assigned to individual Crew Supervisors, and many of
<br />the Crew Supervisors were once Corpsmembers. Josh rewards strong work ethic, and often hires
<br />Corpsmembers who show strong leadership, initiative, and drive. Josh takes pride in a job done
<br />right, which is the culture within OCCC. Project Supervisors, who have graduated from the
<br />OCCC program and gained competitive employment at OCCC, often provided additional support
<br />and training to Corpsmembers because they have lived experience. They provide peer to peer
<br />services that allow more compassion, understanding, empathy, and ability to overcome barriers.
<br />Nearly all of the Program Supervisors are previous Corpsmembers. This level of peer to peer is a
<br />pillar and driving force in the recovery model in supporting people with disabilities, as nearly all
<br />Corpsmembers entering programs live with a disability.
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