What is the Micro-Certificate Program?

Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC) is partnering with Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC) and the Tohono O’odham Nation’s Department of Natural Resources to offer aNatural Resources Micro-Certificate Program (NRMCP).

The Natural Resources Micro-Certificate consists of two to three TOCC courses, in addition to a season of a hands-on field practicum with AZCC.

How does it work?

By completing a season on an AZCC field crew (at least a 450-hour AmeriCorps term) and two to three courses in the natural resource field, students will be eligible to receive the micro-certificate. Courses can vary but typically focus on Indigenous natural resource management and environmental sciences.

The field practicum involves completing land restoration, invasives species removal, and other field-based conservation projects. This is an important opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in the field of natural resources with a partner organization.

When does it run?

TOCC NRMCP courses will be available this 2026 Fall Semester, beginning in August and running through November. They may also be available next spring, pending class availability. AZCC runs field crews (fulfilling the field practicum aspect of the NRMCP) throughout the year. The fall season is typically September-February and the spring season is typically February-May. However, it does not matter if one takes the courses or the field practicum first.

What does it cost?

The program is free for any tribal members (not just Tohono O’odham) and is open to non-tribal members at the normal TOCC registration rates.

There is no cost to participate on an AZCC field crew. On the contrary, AZCC field crew members receive a weekly stipend of $600/week. Assistant crew leaders receive $675/week and crew leaders receive $925-$1,125/week. Various trainings such as Wilderness First Aid, land ethics, trail building, and chainsaws are included in field practicum.

If I have served with AZCC in the past, can I still complete the Micro-Certificate?

Yes, former AZCC crew members and leaders are eligible to receive the Natural Resource Micro-Certificate if they complete the TOCC courses after they’ve finished their AZCC Field Practicum.

What opportunities and career paths will this Micro-Certificate offer me?

Earning the Micro-Certificate and completing a field season with AZCC will open a wide range of career paths in conservation, natural resources, forestry, parks and recreation, outdoor tourism and much more.

NRMCP students gain access to job opportunities, career mentoring, and job placement contacts with the Tohono O'odham Nation, other tribes, AZCC and other conservation corps’ and land management agencies like State Parks, U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service.

Opportunities for continued education at TOCC

Earning the NRMCP is also a great opportunity for students to start their academic career. This could offer a solid foundation for those interested in continuing with a TOCC A.S. in Applied Sciences, and potentially a B.S. in Natural Resources at the University of Arizona, for example.

I'm interested! Who should I contact?

To learn more and express interest in this unique Native-focused program, please contact Dr. Adrian Quijada, Director of the TOCC Land Grant Office at 520-429-7376 or by email: aquijada@tocc.edu.