The Clover Agency and Get Focused Stay Focused Join Forces
In a significant move for youth empowerment and environmental sustainability, The Clover Agency has formed a strategic partnership with the nonprofit organization Get Focused Stay Focused. This collaboration aims to oversee a substantial grant of $700,000 awarded by the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity's High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) Fund. The initiative, named Green Futures LA, is set to connect young individuals with rewarding careers in sustainable fields such as green infrastructure and construction.
A Powerful Collaboration
The Clover Agency, known for its expertise in program management consultancy, joins forces with Get Focused Stay Focused, which is dedicated to enhancing career readiness for students and adult learners through structured goal-setting and skills exploration. This partnership not only symbolizes a commitment to workforce development but also addresses the pressing issue of disconnected youth in Los Angeles County, where over 120,000 young people fall into this category.
Green Futures LA is designed to prepare opportunity youth – particularly those who are justice-involved or disconnected from traditional career paths – for jobs in high-demand sectors. The program encompasses training for careers in green construction, solar energy, and sustainable landscaping, building a bridge to economic mobility for vulnerable populations.
Funding and Support Structure
The grant's funds will be strategically allocated for an eight-week training academy, alongside on-the-job experiences provided by local employers. Additional esteemed partners, such as Pathway to Careers and Gaia Utility 360, will contribute to the training framework, ensuring participants receive comprehensive support.
The program aims to enroll 55 participants, with an impressive target of placing at least 75% of them into gainful employment or pre-apprenticeships, creating a replicable model for workforce development focused on green jobs.
Addressing Economic Disparities
Dr. Paul N. De La Cerda, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of The Clover Agency, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "Green Futures LA represents a bold step toward an inclusive green economy by investing in youth and young adults who have historically been left out of high-road career pathways." This initiative encapsulates a broader vision of fostering economic equity and resilience through access to training and employment opportunities.
The program also promises to integrate trauma-informed case management and extensive support services tailored to participants' needs, ensuring that barriers to entry are addressed. Certifications, jobsite tours, hands-on mentorship, and comprehensive career planning are additional facets of the tailored approach that underpins this initiative—positioning it not merely as a job training program, but as a holistic pathway towards sustainable careers.
Looking Forward
As participant recruitment begins, The Clover Agency is set to launch Green Futures LA in late October. The framework established by this collaborative effort is expected to replicate successfully across the region, enacting a climate-ready, equity-centered workforce in Los Angeles County. Dr. Karen Miles, Executive Director of Get Focused Stay Focused, expressed enthusiasm for the transformative potential of the program, emphasizing the integration of career planning and skills training to enhance readiness for high-demand positions within the green economy.
This landmark initiative encourages an environment where every individual, regardless of their background, is empowered to achieve their career aspirations, thereby contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable economy. For further details, you can visit
pathwaytocareers.org/green-futures-la.
About The Clover Agency
Founded on the principle that everyone deserves equal opportunity to pursue fulfilling careers, The Clover Agency is devoted to helping learners navigate key transitions in their career journeys. Their focus is on creating inclusive pathways that foster vibrant economic communities.
About Get Focused, Stay Focused
Dedicated to realizing career dreams for individuals from varied backgrounds, Get Focused Stay Focused leverages innovative programs and collaborations to achieve its mission.
About HRTP Fund
The High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) Fund supports innovative training models that create equitable job opportunities, significantly contributing to communities affected by economic disparities and the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
With the stakes higher than ever for empowering youth through sustainable career pathways, The Clover Agency and Get Focused Stay Focused are leading by example, driving forward a vision that champions economic resilience and environmental stewardship in the city of Los Angeles.