In an effort to train young adults for the state’s green-tech industry, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the new California Green Corps in Sacramento last Monday.  The first national program of this size and mission, the Corps will give at-risk young adults (ages 16 to 24) the opportunity to acquire job skills to prepare them for a future in the state’s rising green industry.

Schwarzenegger expects the first phase of the program to consist of a 20-month pilot program enlisting at least 1,000 of the state’s at-risk young adults.

Explaining that he and President Obama mutually value the priorities of this project, Schwarzenegger says, “Green jobs are exactly what our economy and environment need right now.”
Part of the program will be funded by the economic stimulus package.  Technical, construction and skilled jobs will be included in the Corps training.

State Secretary for  Service and Volunteering Karen Baker of CaliforniaVolunteers will oversee the nationally ground-breaking program.

Additional information can be found at http://gov.ca.gov/fact-sheet/11753.