TeamWorks is a conservation-based youth employment program operating in partnership with TEENS, Inc. and Lincoln Hills Cares.

Each summer, crews of youth aged 16-20 work out in greenspaces across Colorado, learning how to use tools, maintain trails, and mitigate fire risk. 

The work is tough, but so are the bonds that form between crew members. Half the youth are from the Peak to Peak area and the other half are from Denver. Working alongside one another, sharing perspectives, and having fun is a big part of what makes TeamWorks special. 

You can hear about the urban/rural connection directly from crew members in this short video:

TeamWorks is led by its Program Director, Sara Morris-Marano, and Ariel Gustafson, Out of School Time Director. They just started hiring crew leaders – and applications for youth crew members will open on 2/1.

Learn more by visiting TeamWorksColorado.org or by following them on Instagram @TeamWorksColorado.

Now for Naya’s TeamWorks Story...

Naya Russell-Coprich’s experience in TeamWorks helped her on her journey to earning a master’s degree from UNC and a Dean’s Citation for Excellence (pictured right).

Here’s what Naya told us when we asked her about her journey with TeamWorks:

“I found out about TeamWorks when I was at East High School. One of the vice principals recommended me to be a part of the program.”

“TeamWorks meant that I knew I had something to look forward to every summer. Each of my five summers at TeamWorks were full of irreplaceable experiences and friendships.

“I started as a regular team member, and then I was promoted to a junior supervisor, and now I sit on the board. So, I have experienced a full evolution and enjoyed every minute of it.  

“Being a junior supervisor was one of my first leadership roles. It showed me that when I speak people have the tendency to listen.”

“Now that I am on the board, I feel as though it is a full-circle moment. I learn so much and it is the perfect way to keep ties with everyone in Ned.”

Naya Russell-Coprich is currently working for Denver Public Schools as a director of an extended learning program. This past summer, she got her master's degree in criminology and criminal justice with the plans of continuing her education and eventually getting a Ph.D.

Thank you for sharing your journey, Naya!

TeamWorks is Hiring for Summer 2023

The Crew Leader role is a chance to spend May through August in nature leading a team of youth from around the Front Range.

Get more info and apply here. If it’s not right for you but you think it could be for someone you know, please forward this email to them! We need help finding the right people for this unique opportunity.

$21-26/hour. 40hrs/week Mon-Thurs. Must be 21+ with a driver's license. Positions still available are based in Denver (near Central Park Station), Nederland, Boulder, Aurora, Conifer, Bailey, Gilpin County, and Idaho Springs.