Representatives from leading green jobs innovators-the Eagle Eye Institute, YouthBuild Boston and the Trustees of Reservations-were invited to GMA Foundations to discuss the development of their collaborative Green Industry Career Pathway program. This experiential-based training program exposes YouthBuild students to careers in arboriculture, landscaping, and related green industries.

The discussion highlighted the lessons learned from the program and focused on the opportunities and challenges presented by the green jobs movement. Chris Cato of YouthBuild described how the pilot program positioned his organization as a leader in the green jobs field. Eagle Eye Institute Director Renee Toll Dubois was cautious about the field’s success in creating a new generation of environmental stewards, noting, “The green jobs movement’s emphasis on employment does not guarantee that participants will become environmental advocates or leaders.”

Speakers
Renee Toll Dubois, Executive Director, Eagle Eye Institute
Chris Cato, Green Initiative Project Manager, YouthBuild Boston
Andy Kendall, President, The Trustees of Reservations