Louisiana Green Corps provides green job training to court-involved youth (VIDEO)
Since its inception in 2008, the Louisiana Green Corps has graduated 68 court-involved youth from its green jobs training programs, with another 100 now in various stages of training. The LA Green Corps educates youth aged 17-24 in green construction, weatherizing homes, material deconstruction and reuse, and energy-saving techniques.
Green Corps member Shawn Butler installs a radiant barrier.
Since its inception in 2008, the Louisiana Green Corps has graduated 68 court-involved youth from its green jobs training programs, with another 100 now in various stages of training.
The LA Green Corps educates youth aged 17-24 in green construction, weatherizing homes, material deconstruction and reuse, and energy-saving techniques.
After gaining valuable knowledge about energy-efficiency, Corps members put their learning to work in local residents’ homes. In this way, the community learns energy-saving tips in an easy-to-digest way from Corps members. Folks pay attention, because it’s relevant and it’s coming from the mouths of their own neighbors.
In another training, participants at the Old City Building Center learn to breathe new life into old buildings. By saving lumber and other materials from old buildings, they have the supplies to build tables, frames, and furniture that are sold at a non-profit salvage depot.
Life skills and computer training round out the program, giving high school drop-outs another chance at their GEDs. Corps participants can earn money for further education after completing AmeriCorps service projects.
Youth who would be bouncing in and out of the criminal justice system have a new option – and new role models too. For those mired in unemployment or minimum wage jobs, the Green Jobs Corps is igniting new hope.
The LA Green Corps not only gives its participants new insight into practical skills, it gives them new insight about themselves.
“I used to be timid and shy, never wanted to be in front of cameras or anything,” says Green Corps member Shawn Butler. “But…I [have] more of a positive vibe about myself now…They changed my personality, the way I see life, everything.”
Hear more from Shawn and other members of the Louisiana Green Jobs Corps in these videos:
Shawn Butler:
JP on being a role model for other troubled youth:
Joseph Stoughton on the effects of Hurricane Katrina:
Charletries "Charlie" Lloyd on the Green Corps providing something more than just a job:
Antonio introduces the unique points of a green home:
Videos courtesy of the Corps Network.
