Two years ago, at the age of 17, I had no real plans for the summer. That's when I joined the Civic Justice Corps (CJC) and it changed my life. Started by Gov. Martin O'Malley in 2008, the corps gives students from Baltimore City paid summer jobs at state parks across Maryland. But it was more than just a job. Through the CJC I learned about the environment and life skills that could help me find a job in the future.

I enjoyed the program so much I returned as a counselor this year through the Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC), a division of AmeriCorps, and I spoke at the CJC graduation.

This is one of the reasons I was excited to hear that the Board of Education has decided to add environmental literacy requirements for Maryland schools. This will help ensure more active young people understand how important it is to take care of our planet.

Over the past two summers, I've completed outdoor education and interpretation programs that will benefit our futures, including first responder training, chainsaw training, canoeing, Chesapeake Bay grass planting and wildland firefighting. I can now proudly say I am certified to fight forest fires.

The CJC taught me to be positive and how to participate in an efficient work environment. Working as a team player and independently, the CJC helped me take the initiative in large and small tasks. I also met and learned a lot about people from different cities and states. As a result I understand a variety of lifestyles.

I plan to return for a third year to help the crew supervisor with preparing and organizing projects. One of my goals is to be a teacher, using everything that I've learned to influence my students to care for their environment. By completing this training, I have placed myself one step closer to achieving that milestone.

The park staff became a strong support base for me. I highly recommend CJC to any student.

Carl Heartfield, Baltimore