For some youth on the Western Slope, dropping out of high school or having a run in with the law can mean a future with limited opportunities. One local group is hoping to change this while putting these kids to work.

When Henry Dresen came to Western Slope Conservation Corps, he was just looking for a job. "I like to work outside," says Dresen. He was sixteen and just dropped out of high school, but for Eric Myers, education coordinator, Dresen was perfect for their program. "Youth come with employment barriers; they might have dropped out of school or had a run in with the law," says Myers

The Western Colorado Conservation Corps employs youth, ages 14 to 25 and today, they were out at Highline Lake state park repairing a trail. Officials say getting a job at this age can be hard. "They come to us with specific needs such as GED, we can work with them to get them prepared," says Myers. Which was the case for Dresen, who now has his GED and is moving forward.

The corps strives to get youth to take an outside initiative, teaching them conservation efforts while putting in some hard work. But it's not just about employment. "They initially come in looking for a job and they take some education aspects of our program," says Myers. The program is designed to get youth excited about learning by mixing work with education. Today, half the group took a field trip to the Dinosaur Museum in Fruita. "It's a great opportunity and we don't have to pay for it," says Dresen.

On top of all this, workers can earn some serious money for future education. "Corps members are eligible to earn AmeriCorps education awards, in addition to money earned, to pay for higher education," says Myers. And it doesn't take long for the money to pile up. " Workers can earn nearly $5000 to pay for school," says Myers.

The program hopes to steer its workers into a career that's more outdoor oriented, but if not, continuing education is their ultimate goal. Which is now an option for Henry Dresen. "I"m thinking about motorcycle mechanic or wildland firefighting," says Dresen. Who has earned almost 4000 dollars for college on less than two years.

Workers for the Western Colorado Conservation Corps also have the opportunity to earn valuable certifications like CPR of Wildland Firefighting.