It reminds me of Youth Conservation Corps, YCC. I spent the summer before my senior year of high school working in Yosemite on various environmental/ecological projects, and I benefited so much from doing physical labor, as well as learning what it takes to have, and keep, a real job. Getting my first paychecks felt so good, a huge step towards becoming a grown-up.

I’d love for my autistic son to have an opportunity like this, although this program’s priority isn’t employment for those with disabilities, so I don’t know if it could happen for him.

Still, it’s happening for other people who need job skills, and that’s good for everyone in Oakland.