The program idea was proposed by County Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Nora Vargas. Supervisor Lawson-Remer emphasized the need for the program with, “We’ve supported renters and small businesses, and now we are adding San Diego County’s youth to the list of people who we want to help during this pandemic. Mentors helped me flourish as a young person, but if I were growing up in isolation during a global pandemic I don’t know if I would be so lucky. At a time when opportunity and social interaction has disappeared for many students and entry level workers, this youth corps will help young people jump start their careers with paid positions to help them get a foothold in the green economy.”