Students from the Charleston Job Corps Center joined young adults around the world to give back to their community through Global Youth Service Day (GYSD)/Earth Day on April 22, 2015. Business Community Liaison, Tia Welch kicked off activities with an Earth Day 2015 video during the Monday Business Meeting on Monday, April 20, 2015 for students and staff.

GYSD, sponsored by Youth Service America, is an annual event that highlights and celebrates the contributions and volunteer efforts of young people. In addition to recognizing the year-round service of young volunteers, GYSD aims to recruit a new generation of participants and encourage them on a lifelong path of civic commitment. Earth Day 2015 is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, and was founded by former Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin to put focus on saving the environment.

Students volunteered at the Martin Luther King Community City with the City of Charleston, Parks and Recreation department on Wednesday, April 22, 2015. Volunteers were needed to dig, plant, mulch, garden, etc. at the Natural Playground. Lynn Watts, Director of Parks and Recreation stated, “We really appreciate their help. They did a great job.”

Tia Welch, BCL said, “GYSD/Earth Day is a great opportunity for students and staff to participate in earth friendly projects and community service. We welcome the opportunity to give back.” CJCC volunteers include carpentry students Delshawn Popowich Cody Glover, Cory Coolidge and facilities maintenance students Jaleel Shabazz and Chris Newsome accompanied by Tia Welch, BCL.