SEEDS Youth Conservation Corps, through its relationship with The Corps Network and the Corporation for National & Community Service, has a unique opportunity to bring 2 years of work and training for 6-12 young people in our community to develop a career in building science technologies and energy efficiency techniques. Over two years, this program will bring in close to $150,000 to our region.
The work plan involves providing energy assessment and weatherization services to at least 24 income qualifying homes each year, as part of a comprehensive training program. Corps members will also engage in public education around the region with a goal of providing 300 hours of student instruction and reaching 500 adult households.
Each year, local social service organizations collectively spend $3 million dollars providing emergency utility assistance. Energy efficiency is the most cost effective way to deal with current energy challenges. Industry best practices show that a 20% reduction in energy consumption is a reasonable and reachable goal. This would equate to an annual savings of $600,000 for local low-income families and to the organizations that provide utility assistance.
The SEEDS Youth Conservation Corps is a demonstrated and effective job training program that focuses primarily on students who are at academic risk. Over the past three years SEEDS has successfully employed hundreds of high school age students in five counties providing hands-on experience in basic job skills as well as exposure to a variety of 21st Century green collar industries. We have enabled students to earn college scholarships, improved job placement opportunities and we have received local and national attention for the work that has been accomplished.
SEEDS and our programs are successful because of strong partnerships and collaborations. SEEDS Youth Corps has worked closely with organizations like the Northwest Michigan Community College, the National Park Service, local land conservancies and conservation districts, school districts, utility companies and many others.
For the Clean Energy Corps program to move forward, we need to secure $65,000 in matching resources. Match can cover supervision, training, weatherization materials and/or student stipends. We have already secured $20,000 and are looking to you for the remaining $45,000 in cash or in-kind resources.
Join us in continuing to develop the next generation of leaders and making an impact in the lives of hundreds of people throughout the region, reducing energy consumption and utility bills.
Contact Mike Powers 231-394-1581 or Sarna Salzman 231-929-3663
powers@ecoseeds.org sarna@ecoseeds.org
