Growing a Sustainable Economy Through Innovative Green Jobs Training Program

Foundations, Inc. has been awarded a $420K contract to create tailor-made opportunities for out-of-school youth who are interested in entering a green jobs career path. The 21-month contract will support 80 out-of-school youth ages 17-24 by offering green jobs training and preparation for the GED. The contract is awarded by the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board and its Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success, with the contract managed by the Philadelphia Youth Network on the Council's behalf. Program partners include Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid Atlantic Region, The Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation, Top Quality Home Services Inc., and the Urban Tree Connection.

"We are grateful to have this opportunity to offer inner-city youth a chance to develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world," states Rhonda H. Lauer, Foundations President and CEO. "The Green Jobs Training Program is aligned with Foundations' vision to the combine the principles of sustainability and economic growth, and in doing so, create a model that can be taken to scale and replicated throughout the country."

The program includes career pathways enhanced with employer-conducted training. The first option is landscaping with a focus on sustainable practices and stormwater management installations. The second pathway is sustainable agriculture in which students learn about organic farming, nutrition implications of healthy eating, and food justice and access issues. The final choice is an introduction to green building through energy auditing and weatherization leading to the opportunity to enter the Finishing Trades.

Foundations will provide one-on-one case management that will consist of academic and social supports. Participants will also be offered classes in business basics, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Foundations' Job Resource & Development Center will be responsible for counseling, job training and job placement. In addition, the JRDC will help participants explore career options, write resumes, practice for interviews, and develop essential work and life skills. All programs will take place at the new Philadelphia Center for Arts and Technology in Northwest Philadelphia. Participant recruitment for the program began in October, with program startup scheduled for January 2010.

Foundations, Inc., a national nonprofit organization, is committed to building the quality of educational opportunities for children, youth, and families through work with public and charter schools, school districts, education and community-based organizations, and the afterschool field. As a capacity-building organization, Foundations focuses on professional development, technical assistance, program development, and supporting tools, publications, and services.

Founded in 1999, the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board is a volunteer commission appointed by the Mayor of Philadelphia with the legislated responsibility to govern the public workforce system in the city, including the CareerLink Centers. The organization that supports the commission - Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, Inc. - provides expertise in all facets of workforce development, and works to align the skills of the region's labor force to meet the needs of industry, ultimately supporting the region's growth and prosperity.

The Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success, a subgroup of the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, works to ensure that Philadelphia's youth become productive citizens who are ready to participate fully in our region's workforce and the life of the city. To that end, the mission of the Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success is to provide leadership and advocacy in support of the Mayor's education goals: 1) increase the graduation rate to 80% (cut the dropout rate in half) by 2014 and 2) double the baccalaureate attainment rate of Philadelphians by 2017. The Philadelphia Youth Network staffs the Council and manages contracts on behalf of the Council and the Workforce Investment Board.

Program partners include Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid Atlantic Region, The Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation, Top Quality Home Services Inc., and the Urban Tree Connection.