Hundreds of California at-risk students may become part of the green economy if they sign up for the state's new "green corps," which the governor launched Monday.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made the announcement just after meeting with President Obama's Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis in Sacramento.
Schwarzenegger said at-risk young adults aged 16 to 24 would be slotted into the corps. He said he hoped the program would build up communities and the state's budding green industry.
“Green jobs are exactly what our economy and environment need right now – and the California Green Corps targets that need while helping at-risk young adults realize a brighter future," Schwarzenegger said.
The announcement continued an ongoing trend on the part of Schwarzenegger, who has not distanced himself from President Obama when it comes to the environment.
“President Obama and I share similar priorities right now when it comes to helping the economy rebound and creating a greener California and America,” said Schwarzenegger.
Schwarzenegger said $10 million of the federal economic stimulus would be used to help form the program. $10 million from public-private partnerships would also be used, he said.
The first phase is expected to consist of a 20-month pilot program reaching at least 1,000 of California’s at-risk young adults, Schwarzenegger said.
The program may consist of 10 regional Green Corps throughout the state – with at least one regional Green Corps located in each of California’s nine economic regions.
All programs will be public-private partnerships that include green job training, a stipend, an educational requirement and community service, he said.
For additional information about the California Green Corps please visit: http://gov.ca.gov/fact-sheet/11753.
