For my Final Paper, I will examine the Green-Collar Youth Jobs, Education, and Training Stimulus Act (S 268 IS) which was introduced in the US Senate on January 15, 2009. This Act was introduced by Senators Murray (D-WA) and Stabenow (D-MI) as a response to the increasing general unemployment rate as well as the much higher unemployment rate among youth ages 16 - 19. In general, the goals of this Act are to increase environmental protection and awareness, while also building a well-trained workforce to sustain environmental progress achieved in the near future.
This Act will be carried out under the current operating guidelines of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which provides workforce development services to Youth, Dislocated Workers and Adult job seekers. The Green-Collar Youth Jobs, Education, and Training Stimulus Act will specifically dedicate funds to the Green Job Corps Program, Youthbuild Build Green Grants, and Green-Collar Youth Opportunity Grants. All of these programs will focus on giving youth the skills, leadership and work experience to become a productive part of the up-and-coming green industry.
I think this is a great choice for your final project. It relates to a lot of the activities that are occuring in the economy today, such as unemployment, spreading environmental awareness, and educating our youth. I would be interested to see where this act would go, how it would be applied, and if in the long-term it will be successful.
ReplyDeleteJoanna -
ReplyDeleteI really like the Act you choose to study in your final project. I believe there is a high level of interest in sustainability in this age group. It's nice to see the government harness this energy and hopeful create educational programs/jobs that move the green movement forward. Education is key! I will be looking forward to see what happens with this Act.
I am jealous that I didn't find this topic first! This is this a great example of how our government is approaching issues of the environment, but it even more interesting, and relieving, to see how government is meeting such economic downturn with the promotion of sustainable career tracks.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be checking in on is Act!