Green Collar Futures is a start up organization, which means we have not
begun offering programming yet. But go ahead and get excited! Once our
program is on the ground, we will offer young people like yourself a truly
transformative experience.

Green Collar Futures will launch its first pilot in 2010.
Application will open Summer 2010.

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Are you a young adult looking to jumpstart the next phase of your life?

 


       Are you ready…
                 
For a life-changing experience?

To train for emerging green collar businesses?

To discover you own inner strengths and talents?

 

GCF Target Audience

Diverse Participation in NJ’s Sustainability Evolution

The GCF service year is designed for young adults in transition: graduates of at-risk youth programs and high school graduates who are unemployed.  Participants will benefit from a stimulating, diverse, hands-on curriculum designed for personal and professional growth.  Our curriculum uses outdoor, experiential education and intensive mentoring to build self-confidence and develop leadership in our participants.  By drawing service learners from urban, suburban, and rural backgrounds into a cooperative culture of sustainable living and working, GCF will cultivate collective ownership of NJ’s evolution toward sustainability and foster creative exchange and innovation.

 

     
Green Collar Futures is designed for young men and women, roughly between the ages of 20 and 30, who can demonstrate:

Maturity

Achievement – We are looking for applicants with a history of success, such as:

  • Completion of high school or a GED program.
  • Completion of a service-learning program, such as Youth Corps, YouthBuild, etc.
  • Attended some college.
Commitment – We require participants to commit to a full, 10-month Service Year.
  • Residence is required at the center Monday – Friday. Residence at center is optional on weekends.
  • Spouses/dependants cannot reside at center.
  • Participant must commit to an alcohol & drug-free workplace.
  • Participants may not hold other work commitments.
Communication – We are looking for applicants who can interact respectfully with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Open to Change

Personal Growth – Our program uses ‘flow theory’, where challenging but safe experiences are used to push you to reach your potential. Our focus is:
  • Developing individual talents.
  • Teamwork and productivity.
Open to New Experiences – Our program will put you in contact with new people, living situations, and cultures. You must be open to:
  • Backpacking & expeditionary travel.
  • Shared housing in a rural setting.
  • Non-violent communication.
  • Peer leadership circles.
  • Co-creating a safe, respectful community.
Local, Seasonal Living – We use local living to teach about sustainability, including:
  • Growing your own food & composting.
  • Eating seasonal vegetables and produce.
  • Being outdoors in all 4 seasons.
  • Nature exploration.

Enthusiasm for Going Green

Relevance The health of the environment affects everyone. Our program will deepen your understanding of how environmental issues relate to your home community, and empower you to make positive changes.

Career Opportunities – The ‘green’ sector of the economy – energy, food, and local goods – is growing every day. Our program lays a solid foundation for personal and career growth.

Passion for
Community Service

Active citizenship – Our program requires a commitment to service. We are looking for applicants who:

  • Have experience with community service.
  • Want to give to the greater good and do something positive for their communities.
  • Are open to physical work.