John Hall, president of Horizons Youth Services, has been tapped to chair the National Job Corps Association’s “Green Workgroup.” The goal of the group is to help prepare the Job Corps program for a “green” economy that focuses on alternative energy sources, new technology and conservation efforts to save energy, reduce dependence on foreign oil and protect the environment.
The group, which held its first meeting March 11, the final day of the 2009 NJCA Policy Forum, has been asked to discuss and develop tangible and realistic steps to help Job Corps embrace the coming green economy through partnerships, pilot programs, Department of Labor assistance and policy changes, in each of the following four areas: training; facilities; center projects; and service learning.
Within the training area, the group will consider adding Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for selected staff and incorporating LEED principles in training for students; modifying or expanding existing career technical training programs to incorporate green projects, technology and training; recommend new career technical training programs in areas that will emerge as part of the coming green economy; and assess partnership needs to help the Job Corps program embrace the green economy.
The workgroup also will examine current or future facility upgrades and projects that do not require DOL assistance and consider long-term projects that will require DOL authorization and support.
In the center projects area, the workgroup will consider possible career technical skills training projects that can help centers be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, as well as what funding and equipment would be needed for these proposed projects.
The group also will consider service-learning opportunities for students, including conducting on-center energy audits and forming a clean energy corps. |