MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Board of Supervisors along with state and local officials recently kicked off the #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps in Monterey County.
The $2.8 million investment provides resources for the county to recruit, train and hire local youth who gain paid work experience in environmental and natural resource management projects.
“The #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps is a win for our young people, Monterey County and the State of California,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “These impressive young people are also joining a larger team of tens of thousands of California service members participating in California Volunteers programs.”
The statewide #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps program is an innovative partnership between the state and local governments to help underserved youth and young adults find employment. The program officially launched in Monterey County on Oct. 26.
“I am truly excited to see #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps partner with the Monterey County Workforce Development Board in creating the Green Cadre program,” said Sen. John Laird. “Climate change is the existential threat of our time, and it is heartening to see our youth gain the experience and hands-on skills in the growing green sector that will empower their local communities for years to come.”
The program provides funding for youth workforce development in cities and counties in California. The program aims to increase youth employment, develop meaningful career pathways for youth, and help cities and communities bolster their ability to address food insecurity, climate change and Covid-19 recovery.
“The #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps collaboration between the state and Monterey County is an exciting opportunity for young people to begin meaningful careers rooted in community service,” said Sen. Anna Caballero. “I am thrilled to support the county’s young leaders and their commitment to tackling our community’s challenges.”
The Green Cadre, Monterey County’s program, is funded by the #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps. Managed by the Monterey County Workforce Development Board, the Green Cadre focuses on employing young adults ages 18 to 30 who are unemployed or out of school and looking for an opportunity to advance critical environmental projects in the community.
Monterey County Workforce Development Board has four additional cadre initiatives: heath care, technology, leadership and entrepreneurship, with a focus on community service, leadership and opportunities for young adults to give back to their communities.
“As someone who has been involved with the Work Force Development Board, I couldn’t be more proud than I am now in seeing the needs of our youth being met with job opportunities that changes lives, and helps to improve our environment and community,” said Mary Adams, chair of Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
More than 100 members will serve Monterey County’s communities for up to 35 hours per week over 24 weeks and will earn $18 per hour. The first cohort of the Monterey County’s Green Cadre program will focus on climate, working in partnership with California State Parks.
The second cohort will focus on food insecurity, with projects that include planting trees, invasive plant control, forest and fuel management, assisting local food banks with food distribution, educating community members about food waste, promoting recycling and educating the community on sustainability issues.
“California State Parks staff are excited to be partnering with the Green Cadre on resource protection priorities including forest resilience, biodiversity conservation, controlling invasive species, restoring sensitive dune habitats, and providing outstanding recreation opportunities for all people of California,” said Dan Shaw, natural resource program manager for California State Parks, Monterey District.
Before members start their work experience, they will receive three weeks of training in community engagement, leadership and certifications on OSHA 10, HazMat 24 and power tool safety. Learn more about #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps at CAYouthJobsCorps.com.
