The Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Board (WIB) has been named
as one of 11 regional California Green Job Corps pilot programs in
the state, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently announced that
its network was the recipient of $935,797 of American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act funding.
Local Green Job Corps partners will match the federal Recovery Act
funds with resources, resulting in almost $2 million in green job
training and community service opportunities in the area. The
California Green Jobs Corps was initiated by Governor Schwarzenegger
to help 1,500 at-risk young California adults realize a brighter
future while stimulating the economy and working toward a greener
California.
“The WIB is a convener of partners and the Green Job Corps funding
is a positive example of the good it can accomplish in that role.
Through the convening of caring community partners, the Workforce
Investment Board is providing a critical service in the nurturing of
a new green economy,” said Sandy King, WIB Chair. “It was through
the WIB’s efforts that key partners collaborated to create the Green
Job Corps.”
Many entities came together to create the strategies. Among them are
the City of Long Beach, Long Beach Community Action Partnership, Long
Beach Job Corps Center, Conservation Corps of Long Beach, El Camino
Community College, Long Beach City College, Long Beach Unified School
District, Yard Farmer and LA County’s Growing Experience. The Pacific
Gateway Workforce Investment Network is administered by the City of
Long Beach, whose City Council will approve receipt of the grant
funding.
“I’m delighted to see these Recovery Act funds awarded to Long
Beach and our regional partners. These funds will help provide
important training to our youth in the emerging green jobs economy,”
said Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster.
“This innovative use of Recovery Funds for the Network’s Green
Job Corps Initiative will serve dual purposes: the growth of a
regional green job economy and the training of 125 at-risk youth,
ages 17 — 24, in green and eco-friendly industries.” said Bryan
Rogers, WIB executive director.
Through the Green Job Corps partnership, career pathways have been
developed that focus on solar energy, recycling, green building and
construction, water efficient and drought resistant landscaping, and
community supported agricultural opportunities.
“We are fortunate to be working with the city’s Office of
Sustainability, which helps to ground our workforce development
strategies to local activities and resources that are on the cutting
edge of sustainable practices,” said Rogers.
