California Green Corps

It appears that Schwarzenegger and Obama see eye-to-eye on what should be done to reignite the economy. The California Governor, who publicly supported the stimulus package even when other Republican Governors did not, takes a page out of Obama's campaign promises to deliver a program that focuses on 'green' and youth.

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 Governor Schwarzenegger. “In California we will utilize federal economic stimulus funds and public-private partnerships to help stimulate our economy while initiating actions to improve our environment. 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.

The program, a 20-month pilot, is aimed at 16 to 24 year old at-risk youth. In addition to providing technical job training in the eco-industry, the program also includes a stipend, an educational requirement and community service. And since it's a public-private partnership, half of the $20 million will come from the private sector and the other half from the federal stimulus money (the private sector money is not guaranteed, however). All the details are not hammered out, but the Governor's choice of a community college as a venue for the press launch of California Green Corps means that he understands that community colleges are equipped to get local residents trained for a new economy.

A few more details. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Karen Baker will be in charge of the program. GreenBiz.com reports that the California Green Corps will be based on some of the principles of the Oakland Green Job Corps.

Some highlights from the Governor's office:

• At least 1,000 at-risk youths will be placed in green jobs through the 20-month Green Corps pilot program - building up both underserved communities and our green workforce.
• There will be at least 10 regional Green Corps, and at least one in each of state's nine economic regions, that should begin serving youth by this Summer. In order to participate, regional organizations must partner to apply for a grant from the state. A Green Corps Advisory Committee will select the winning models.
• To help ensure the success of the Green Corps, it will be housed within CaliforniaVolunteers. This agency is in a unique position to work across state agencies, regional non-profits, foundations and businesses as well as to leverage federal economic stimulus monies - because this is what CaliforniaVolunteers does every day.