Green Resources & Opportunities Workforce (GROW) and Texan by Nature (TxN) proudly announce the generous support of General Motors (GM) in funding the GROW Skills Academy.
GM’s Climate Equity Collaborative is a dedicated initiative focused on addressing the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable communities and youth. GROW is a nonprofit coalition that establishes pathways for BIPOC and underserved communities to access economic empowerment through equitable education, workforce training, and economic development in the environmental economy. Texan by Nature, a nonprofit founded to bridge the gap between business and conservation, collaborates with GROW and GM by facilitating partnership and narrative development for the project.
“There is no question that the future of both our natural resources and our economy depends on ensuring all communities are included. As industries change and adapt, including members of underrepresented communities in the workforce ensures a more equitable and successful transition to the future for everyone. Texan by Nature is excited to help the GROW program with its launch, and hopes to see this type of initiative across more industries in the future.” -Jenny Burden, Director of Development, Texan by Nature.
In April, GROW hosted GROW Fest, during which the Skills Academy was unveiled. Attendees included representatives from Houston Community College, Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M, Rice University, University of Houston, and residents of the greater Houston area.
The inaugural cohort of the GROW Skills Academy is set to commence on September 20, 2023. Over the course of 8 weeks, this training program will equip participants with foundational skills in green industries, environmental conservation, climate technology, green infrastructure, and entrepreneurship. Academy attendees will:
- Identify local green businesses and employment opportunities
- Delve into the nuances of a green economy
- Analyze the entrepreneurship process
- Acquire skills pertinent to renewable energy, environmental literacy, and technology
- Present a culminating project focused on building a sustainable city or neighborhood
TxN will support the Skills Academy as guest speakers for a GROW classroom session, conduct surveys among industry partners to gather essential data on employer workforce requirements and disseminate the program’s details to interested industry stakeholders.
Skills Academy students will also be exposed to networking prospects, job shadowing experiences, classroom-based learning, and engaging field trips. Successful graduates will receive job readiness tools, a certificate of completion, job placement support, a complimentary laptop, and a credit towards the purchase of business attire.
For more information, visit:
www.growcmty.com | www.texanbynature.org | www.gm.com/citizenship/sustainability
About GM:
(NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.
About Texan by Nature:
Texan by Nature (TxN) unites conservation and business leaders who believe Texas’ prosperity is dependent on the conservation of its natural resources. TxN, founded by former First Lady Laura Bush, acts as an accelerator for conservation groups and a strategic partner for business. TxN supports 140+ conservation organizations and has accelerated projects and programs that have impacted 7 million-plus people, 20 million acres, and all of Texas’ 254 counties Get involved and learn more at www.texanbynature.org and follow us on Facebook @TexanbyNature, Twitter @TexanbyNature, and Instagram @texanbynature for the latest.