SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday announced the recipients of nearly $10 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funding to launch 11 regional California Green Job Corps pilot programs throughout the state. The Recovery Act funding will be matched with more than $10 million in local resources to provide job training and community service opportunities in California’s emerging green economy for 1,500 at-risk young adults aged 16-24, helping create a cleaner environment and spur economic growth in California.
“We are working around the clock to bring Recovery Act funding into California as quickly, effectively and responsibly as possible to stimulate our economy,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Using Recovery funds and public-private partnerships, the California Green Jobs Corps will help 1,500 at-risk young adults realize a brighter future while stimulating our economy and working toward a greener California.”
The 11 regional programs will provide Green Jobs Corps opportunities for 1,500 at-risk youth aged 16-24. Participants will receive career training in energy/utilities efficiency and sustainability, green construction, green waste, agricultural and natural resources, solar power and alternative automotive fuel.
“In the next decade, California will need tens of thousands of trained and competent workers to fill the labor demands of the emerging green economy,” said Doug Hoffner, Acting Secretary of the state Labor and Workforce Development Agency. “This program reflects Governor Schwarzenegger’s commitment to energy efficiency and a cleaner environment, and is a unique opportunity for the next generation of our workforce to immediately become skillful and marketable in California’s green sector.”
Youth will also participate in community service activities, including weatherization outreach and assistance to senior housing facilities. They will work with Habitat for Humanity to build low-cost, energy-efficient homes for low-income families, and with Project Restoration to recycle computers and rebuild them for nonprofit use.
“This is an innovative opportunity for young people to receive training in fields that will support California’s emerging green economy while also contributing to their communities through service,” remarked Karen Baker, California’s secretary of service and volunteering. “During these tough times, public private partnerships like the California Green Jobs Corps leverage all available resources to strengthen our communities.” Baker heads CaliforniaVolunteers, the nation’s first state cabinet-level office for volunteering.
