The LA Green Career Youth Futures Network

Youth economic advancement

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Climate goals and policies focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting human life and upholding nature. Environmental initiatives also create opportunities for high quality “green” jobs. Government and businesses are investing considerable resources to achieve climate goals. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is investing $369 billion to address climate change, thereby creating one million green jobs annually. California is providing $53.9 billion. With the growth of green jobs, there is a need to prepare youth with the knowledge, skills and experiences to successfully and confidently navigate the job market. A 2023 report by LinkedIn identified a green skills gap, while noting a median annual salary for green jobs is 22% higher. In Los Angeles we are experiencing an “affordability crisis” which creates challenges for youth to enter the job market with a livable wage. This project promotes high quality job opportunities for youth in the new green economy.

Creative Life Mapping and the Los Angeles Chapter of Climate Reality Project propose to support a LA Green Career Youth Futures Network, a Climate Solutions Careers webpage and career development and education programming. Project components include internships, paid green career credentialing exams (e.g. paying for energy audit and Eco Leaders certification) and volunteer opportunities, as well as skill development and credentialing opportunities that enable youth to advance their careers. Newsletter articles, social media content and recorded interviews with subject matter experts will highlight green career pathways, educational opportunities, training programs and sustainable business activity. Youth participants will be provided with career counseling and support to advance their careers. The program will engage high schools, trade programs, adult schools, colleges and community organizations.

Youth are experiencing unprecedented environmental challenges as they make their way in the world. To establish a healthy identity, make a living and achieve independence, youth need the knowledge, skills and experience to make a difference. Through the LA Green Career Youth Futures Network, Los Angeles has the opportunity to become a model resource of green career education and skill development. The community will benefit by having greater numbers of youth meaningfully involved in addressing climate change through quality internships, certifications and employment opportunities. By directly engaging in project activities, youth will be able to advance their careers, achieve good paying jobs, and support the health of the LA community. Through the youth network, individuals will receive positive support, a sense of community and common purpose.

CLM already has a master tracking database of all participants and resources and continues to be used for evaluation and outreach. The LA Green Career Youth Futures Network project will be evaluated through ongoing feedback by LA youth participants through pre and post surveys of key career development metric outcomes, reflection interviews, and survey instruments. Youth will be asked to reflect on the impact of project components including career pathway education, resources, internships, volunteer experiences, certification and counseling programs. Evaluation elements will include career decision making, confidence, self-efficacy and skill development. The Climate Solutions webpage and newsletter will be evaluated by readership and number of people who participate in network activities.

Creative Life Mapping will collaborate closely with the Los Angeles Chapter of the Climate Reality Project to publish a website, engage with the newly formed Climate Reality Youth Network, participate in the Climate Curricula Youth Action Committee, the Legislative Committee, the Business Working Group and other active groups. Leadership and educational opportunities will be offered to youth participants through a variety of environmental organizations and businesses. Collaborations will also take place with the LAUSD, other school districts, academic institutions, businesses and industry experts. Examples of collaborations include the US Green Buildings Council, the LA Clean Tech Incubator, the Sierra Club and the Citizen’s Climate Lobby.