The Student Conservation Association was founded in 1957 by Liz Putnam while she was attending Vassar College. For her senior thesis, she modeled the SCA after the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps and enlisted student volunteers to assist with the upkeep of U.S. national parks and public spaces.
Since then, the SCA has provided more than 100,000 young people with opportunities to protect the planet through conservation projects at national parks, state forests and community green spaces nationwide. Today, the SCA is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and young adults.
In celebration of SCA Founder’s Day on June 24, we honor the legacy of our trailblazing founder.
The SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders and inspiring lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities we serve by engaging young people through hands-on service projects.
Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces across the country. After working with the SCA, they emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
President Obama presented SCA founder Liz Putnam with the 2010 Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Aug. 4, 2010. (Photo Credit: Lawrence Jackson)
Over the last several decades, Liz Putnam has been recognized for her essential work transforming lives and public lands. She’s received dozens of major awards, including the 2010 Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor.
In accepting this honor, she noted she shares it with all young people serving with the SCA, whose hands-on conservation service protects public lands and lifts people’s hearts. She remains a steadfast supporter of the SCA and an ever-present guiding force.
The Liz Putnam Legacy Society recognizes and thanks those who have taken the special step of supporting the future of the SCA’s youth conservation service work through their estate plans or other planned gifts. The Legacy Society honors the SCA’s founder, Liz Putnam and her vision in creating the SCA.
Join our community of supporters who care deeply about preserving America’s parks, public lands, and urban green spaces.
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