This paper explores the extent to which this emerging green economy can offer a pathway out of poverty for low-income young people, many of whom have disengaged from school and are struggling to find a way into the economic mainstream. These disconnected youth — some six million strong — represent an untapped resource. Despite the fact that they have experienced difficulties in their personal lives or communities and may not have completed high school, many seek a second chance, returning to programs such as Service and Conservation Corps or other education and work initiatives in their local communities. The Corps Network and several partners — including COWS, Green For All, The Academy for Educational Development (AED), Workforce Strategy Center and Living Cities — guided the development of the paper with additional support from numerous stakeholders.
A Green Career Pathways Framework: Postsecondary and Employment Success for Low-Income, Disconnected Youth
Grobe, T., K. O’Sullivan, S. T. Prouty, and S. White. A Green Career Pathways Framework: Postsecondary and Employment Success for Low-Income, Disconnected Youth. The Corps Network, 2011.