The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) is an AmeriCorps State and National Program, operated by Washington State University, that focuses on environmental stewardship. WCC provides young adults ages 18 to 25 years old an opportunity to learn how to protect and restore natural habitats for the state- and federally protected species throughout Washington state.
Study Goals:
The goal of this return on investment (ROI) analysis report was to conduct a cost-benefit assessment of the WCC 2014-2015 program outcomes.
Findings:
The ROI analysis report found the following:
- Native plant coverage increased by 9.6 percent at restoration sites, compared to 0.4 percent at reference sites from 2014-2015
- Noxious weed coverage decreased by 15.6 percent at restoration sites, compared to a decrease of 1.4 percent at reference sites in the year following the planting intervention.
Want to learn more about the methodology behind the WCC ROI analysis report, and additional program findings? Read the:
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ROI ONE-PAGER
Return on Investment (ROI) Studies
AmeriCorps and its grantees have invested significant resources in evaluating different agency programs and supported program models designed to improve a range of outcomes for national service members and volunteers, children, families, organizations, and communities across America. AmeriCorps has commissioned ICF International to conduct ROI analyses to help measure the program performance and build the base of evidence for future resource allocation decisions. In addition, each ROI study helps AmeriCorps communicate the value of its programs to relevant stakeholders. The ROI Studies Project will produce 16 ROI assessments from FY20 to FY23.