STRIVE TRAINS FOR GREEN JOBS

(Article published in HWW March 2010)

Celebrations keep on happening at STRIVE, a job training and placement agency based in East Harlem with local affiliates across the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Labor awarded the agency $4.7 million in stimulus money to run “STRIVE for Green,” a program that gives men and women skills to compete for “environmentally friendly jobs.” “Outstanding news,” said Sen. Charles Schumer.” This stimulus funding will enable STRIVE to bridge the national skills gap to enable low income individuals to get a foot in the door of the new green economy.”

Just weeks later in Harlem, Timothy Hayden, Theodora Reese and 41 other young New Yorkers ages 18 to 24 celebrated their graduation from STRIVE’s 4-week job readiness workshop and began the next phase of their training -- the “STRIVE for Green” 12 week skills training program. They come from all over the city to learn green construction, weatherization, solar panel installation and other skills needed for livable wage green jobs. Tim, 18, is from Queens. Theodora, 23, lives in Staten Island. Students come with different credentials, too, ranging from B.A. to high school.

STRIVE says that within six months of graduation almost 70 percent to of their graduates find jobs that pay an average of $12 an hour.

For more information about STRIVE, call Jill Poklemba, Director of Communications and Fund Development, (646) 335-0820.