Rep. Doggett: “American YouthWorks has enjoyed a very green summer.”
WASHINGTON—U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) joined American YouthWorks in celebrating its receipt of $1.45 million in federal funds this summer. $750,000 from the Economic Development Administration will aid in the construction of the Green Collar Workforce Training Center. This amount is in addition to nearly $700,000 received earlier in the summer through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which the Congressman helped pass, for American YouthWorks’ Casa Verde Builders YouthBuild initiative. Casa Verde Builders, in partnership with the City of Austin, teaches at-risk youth how to build energy efficient homes from foundation to finish while simultaneously pursuing their education.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett said, “American YouthWorks has enjoyed a very green summer. Getting the green to invest in green collar jobs will help transform lives as we transition to a low-carbon, energy independent future. This helps Austin continue its green energy leadership. Central Texans understand that we can run the new clean energy economy or get run over by it. Having worked personally in support of this important local initiative for more than a decade, I have seen YouthWorks work–moving to the forefront nationwide of creating green jobs and new opportunities for disadvantaged youth.”
According to some estimates, clean energy jobs amount to 750,000 out of 150 million in the U.S., and there is the potential for 4.2 million new green jobs to be added by 2038.
The Green Collar Workforce Training Center will offer specialized training to meet the increasing demand for high-skill workers in the green building and energy service businesses. Graduates will fill higher-wage, environmentally-friendly jobs.
Melinda Wheatley, American YouthWorks Acting CEO said: “American YouthWorks is thrilled to receive more federal dollars for our green charter high school and jobs training programs. The funding will support our ongoing green facility construction and lower our energy costs considerably. Most important, this provides our students with demonstrable, hand-on training in energy technology. The cutting-edge, energy-saving components become vital educational tools for young people to learn solar panel installation, the importance of harvesting rainwater, the measurement of energy usage to support green facilities management, and a variety of other exciting skills.”
“As always, we are humbled and appreciative of the tireless support of Congressman Lloyd Doggett for our mission to transform the lives of all young people, regardless of race, income, or socio-economic background. His belief in the transformative power of community, environment, and education has translated into tangible outcomes for East and Southside Austin teens,” added Melinda Wheatley.
American YouthWorks is a comprehensive human investment organization that helps young people transform their lives and become self-sufficient adults through education, job training, community service, and a strong support network. American YouthWorks in Austin serves a diverse population of more than 500 youth, ages 16 to 26 who are disproportionately poor, with 88 percent coming from low-income households.
###
Sarah Dohl
Communications Director\Press Secretary
Office of Rep. Lloyd Doggett
202-225-4865
