The earn and learn program allows people ages 16 to 24 years old hands-on experience for an Indy Parks job.

INDIANAPOLIS — From a young age, Mars Anderson-Wust loved animals. Now, at 19 years old, she works with animals full time at Indianapolis Animal Care Services.

She didn’t always plan on working at IACS. Anderson-Wust said after high school she applied to work at a local park but didn’t get the job because of her lack of experience. Then she found the Indy Parks Corps program, which helped her land her current job as an adoption counselor in February.

“Seeing those long-stay dogs just get out of here and finally find their forever homes is so, so wonderful,” said Anderson-Wust, describing her favorite part of the job.

Indy Parks Corps is a 12-week training program for people 16 to 24 years old, which ends in an internship. Anderson-Wust started after graduating from high school.

“Whole lot of different things that you would have never done in school or out. Just being able to be with these people in person and actually experience the jobs that you would be going into is monumental,” she said.

RELATED: Amanda Dehoney-Hinkle approved as new director of Indianapolis Animal Care Services

Employ Indy and Indy Parks Corps created the training program so people get the right certifications and experience for a job with Indy Parks including public works, animal care services or public safety.


Dionne Smith, Employ Indy’s vice president of community career services, said participants get CPR and OSHA certification and violence prevention training during the 12 weeks.

“It gives a young person a space to grow and learn and to do some research and thinking about what they want to do in their career,” Smith said.

Employ Indy said there are 216 parks in Indianapolis, but just eight park rangers, so they need jobs filled. Indy Parks Corps exposes young adults to a future with options.


“Opportunities for young people to work for the city without having the college degree without having the, you know, the professionalism, these programs, Indy Parks Corps gives them the opportunity,” said Smith.

Anderson-Wust said the program made her the best candidate possible and gave her the work experience needed on her resume.

“I get paid super well to do the work that I would have done for free, so it’s just incredible to be here and be with these animals,” she said.

Employ Indy said Indy Parks Corps has two cohorts every year. Click here to learn more about the program.