LENEXA, KAN. (NOV. 20, 2024) – The Ozark Correctional Center near Springfield, Missouri, became the backdrop for a significant achievement today as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister celebrated the graduation of 19 individuals from the Green for Greene program. This initiative, bolstered by the EPA Brownfields Job Training program and funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, highlights a unique approach to career development and environmental stewardship.
Green for Greene, an environmental job training program, has successfully trained 170 students since its inception in 2017, with today’s 19 graduates marking the latest cohort. Administrator McCollister emphasized the transformative nature of the program, stating, “Support from EPA’s Brownfields Job Training Grants allows programs like Green for Greene to succeed. This program is not just a training course. It’s a transformative experience that equips individuals with skills for a brighter future, while directly making a positive impact on both their community and the environment.” This statement encapsulates the core mission of initiatives like Green for Greene: to provide tangible career pathways in the environmental sector.
The EPA’s Brownfields Job Training Grant of $500,000, awarded to the city of Springfield in January 2023, has been instrumental in expanding the Green for Greene program. This funding enables the program to offer free instruction and crucial certifications to students, directly enhancing their employability in environmental fields. These fields include hazardous waste management, lead and mold abatement, lead renovation, repair, and painting, and asbestos abatement – all areas with growing demand for skilled professionals.
The Green for Greene program distinguishes itself by being tuition-free and specifically targeting Springfield residents facing employment barriers, such as the unemployed, underemployed, veterans, and individuals with justice system involvement. Notably, the Ozark Correctional Center is the sole state prison to host the Green for Greene program, demonstrating an innovative approach to rehabilitation and career readiness.
Understanding the Brownfields Job Training Program and Career Pathways
The EPA’s Brownfields Job Training (JT) Grants are designed to empower nonprofits, local governments, and other organizations to address unemployment and underemployment in communities affected by brownfield sites. Brownfields, which are formerly contaminated sites, present both environmental challenges and opportunities for redevelopment and job creation.
Through the JT program, graduates acquire valuable skills essential for securing long-term, sustainable employment within the environmental sector. These “green jobs” are diverse, encompassing hazardous and solid waste management, sustainable cleanup and reuse practices, and chemical safety. By focusing on these areas, the program not only addresses environmental contamination but also cultivates a workforce capable of building more sustainable communities.
Graduates of Brownfields JT programs gain access to sought-after skills and have the opportunity to earn various certifications. This focus on certification ensures that participants are not just gaining temporary jobs, but are equipped for lasting environmental careers. These career paths represent the “career program 19 position” in action – nineteen individuals now positioned to enter or advance within the environmental workforce thanks to this program.
Since 1998, the EPA has awarded 408 Brownfields Job Training Grants. These grants have facilitated training for over 23,460 individuals, with more than 17,450 successfully placed in careers related to land remediation and environmental health and safety. These figures underscore the significant impact of the Brownfields Job Training program in fostering environmental careers and community revitalization.
For further details on Brownfields Job Training Grants and past recipients, please refer to the Brownfields Grant Fact Sheet Search page.
Conclusion: Investing in Careers and Communities
The Green for Greene program and the EPA’s Brownfields Job Training Grants exemplify a powerful intersection of environmental protection and career development. By providing targeted training and support, these initiatives are not only creating a skilled environmental workforce but also empowering individuals to build brighter futures and contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities. The success of the 19 graduates from the Ozark Correctional Center serves as a testament to the transformative potential of these programs and the career opportunities they unlock within the environmental sector.
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