Marin Community Foundation grants MCE $380,000 to expand local green workforce training program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2024
Press Contact:
Jackie Nuñez | Senior Communications Manager
(925) 695-2124 | communications@mceCleanEnergy.org
SAN RAFAEL and CONCORD, Calif. — Local organizations are teaming up and training young people to build a climate-ready Bay Area.
The Marin Community Foundation has awarded MCE a $380,000 Climate Justice Grant to partner with The LIME Foundation, SEI, and AEA to expand The Lime Foundation’s NextGen Trades Academy. Over 80 jobseekers in Marin City, San Rafael’s Canal District, and West Marin will get paid to learn about green construction, electrification, and energy efficiency.
“Youth entering construction trades can start earning around $25-$35 per hour in California, with the potential to reach $75 as they gain experience over a short period of time,” said Letitia Hanke, The LIME Foundation’s CEO. “By avoiding student debt and gaining in-demand skills, they achieve financial independence faster, making construction a valuable alternative to college.”
The Climate Justice Grant helps MCE build on its existing support of the LIME Foundation’s NextGen Trades Academy – adding cohorts, offering stipends, and refining the model to help meet the needs of local youth.
Partners aim to create pathways for underrepresented communities in the skilled trades. Eligible graduates typically secure employment within 30-90 days of completing the program, with starting wages between $21 to $30 per hour depending on the industry
“With local workers trained in clean tech, we can drastically accelerate progress towards California’s clean energy goals,” said Dawn Weisz, MCE's CEO. "We’re growing the next generation of trade workers focusing on youth who face the biggest barriers to accessing well-paying jobs. Those most impacted by our changing climate should be the first to benefit from the clean energy transition."
The Climate Justice Grant helps MCE build on its existing support of the LIME Foundation’s NextGen Trades Academy – adding cohorts, offering stipends, and refining the model to help meet the needs of local youth.
Participants receive:
- Paid in-person and virtual hands-on training
- 18 months of mentorship and job placement support
- Certifications, networking, career counseling, and life skills training
Applicants must be between the ages of 18-24 and live in Marin County. Prior experience is not required. Apply by January 10, 2025 at www.nextgenmarin.com.
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About MCE: MCE is a not-for-profit public agency and the preferred electricity provider for more than 585,000 customer accounts and 1.5 million residents and businesses across Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties. Setting the standard for clean energy in California since 2010, MCE leads with 60-100% renewable, fossil-free power at stable rates, serving a 1400 MW peak load, significantly reducing greenhouse emissions, and reinvesting millions in local programs. For more information about MCE, visit mceCleanEnergy.org, or follow us on your preferred social platform @mceCleanEnergy.
About the LIME Foundation: The LIME Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting at-risk and underserved youth in California’s North Bay through vocational training, mentorship and career opportunities. Since 2015, the program has reached over 626 individuals by providing life-changing skills in technology, health, music, and performing arts. To learn more, visit www.thelimefoundation.org connect on Facebook or email support@thelimefoundation.org.
