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(LA Green Corps) is a green job skills training program for
17-24 year old youth living in the Greater New Orleans Area. 

LA Green Corps at the Sierra Club’s Green Rebuilding of New Orleans conference, November 2009

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The mission of the Louisiana Green Corps (LA Green Corps) is to provide green job skills training to unemployed, under-employed, court involved or otherwise disadvantaged New Orleans youth (ages 17 to 24) through the completion of impactful environmental restoration and conservation projects.
The LA Green Corps, a collaborative partnership comprised of three New Orleans based non-profit organizations, trains youth in green job skills while helping them gain work adjustment skills, overcome social obstacles, secure a job, and identify resources to help them become successful, contributing members of the workforce. Ecologically sound restoration and revitalization projects prepare Corpsmembers for entry into emerging green industries while galvanizing the local economy through the development of social enterprises. These enterprises create economic opportunity while meeting social and environmental needs.


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LA Green Corps applicants interview with an LA Green Corps sponsor agency and if selected, attend a one week orientation. After this, participants are officially enrolled as AmeriCorps Members and begin a term of service with the LA Green Corps. Admission is limited depending on the availability of funds.

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During the term of service, which ranges from three to nine months, Members spend 80% of their time conducting hands-on environmental restoration and conservation projects that benefit non-profit organizations, public agencies, or low income, elderly or disabled residents living in the Greater New Orleans Area. Corpsmembers receive wages for time spent working on projects in the community. Projects include deconstruction, partial salvage of blighted homes slated for demolition, energy efficient construction, weatherization, insulation installation, radiant barrier installation, historic preservation, and carpentry work. A Field Supervisor at each program site schedules and manages projects.
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20% of Members' time is spent on Adult Education appropriate to each individual (Basic Literacy, pre-GED, GED, or college preparation). These courses are taught by a credentialed Adult Education Instructor. In addition to academic education, Members receive technical certifications including CPR, First Aid, 10 Hour Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA), Introduction to Craft and Construction through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), and a certification through Building Performance Institute (BPI). Members are also trained in lead, mold, and asbestos handling safety. Members complete Life Skills training which includes job readiness, civic engagement, financial literacy and other important trainings.

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Members document projects and self growth through music, video, photography, writing, and presenting work to peers and community members through public speaking.

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Crews of 7-10 Corpsmembers are supervised, taught, and mentored by a Crew Leader. Crew Leaders are trained to teach technical curriculums and lead construction projects. A Case Manager counsels each Member on personal life choices and assists him/ her to develop an Individual

Development Plan (IDP) which is followed throughout the course of the service term. A Job Placement Coordinator assists Members to think about life after the Corps and helps to carve out opportunities for Corpsmembers to pursue employment and continuing education.
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The LA Green Corps is an inclusive Corps. 10% of our Corpsmember population is comprised of individuals with intellectual and or developmental disabilities. We provide extra support for these Members as they work and learn alongside peers with and without disabilities.



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Upon completion of the term of service and required training, Corpsmembers receive an AmeriCorps Education Award valid for seven years. Members also receive assistance to find a job or pursue continuing education.

 

 

 

 

 
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www.lagreencorps.org
925 S Labarre Rd. Metairie, LA 70001
(504)382-9941
©Louisiana Green Corps 2010