Green Youth Jobs

In 2009, PATH heard from young adults and their families concerns because young adults were not able to find jobs when they graduated from high school or college. This was particularly true for students of color who had no previous work experience. PATH researched and found that in the economic downturn, the one place the county budget was expanding was in addressing stormwater runoff that was causing major pollution to our waterways.

PATH leaders discovered that installing raingardens and other "green" interventions were effective at addressing stormwater runoff, while also creating opportunities for green jobs for young adults.

Over 2 years of working with the State Legislature and County Government, PATH was able to create the READY program, which became EcoWorks.

Over the years, hundreds of young adults have been employed and trained by EcoWorks, launching them into more successful careers, and many into a lifetime of environmental work.