Begun in 2005 as a demonstration project, the Green Industry Career Pathway program brings small groups of low income urban youth ages 16-24 enrolled in YB programs through a sequence of full day outdoor experiences intended to transform all participants’ relationship to themselves, to nature, and to others. These sessions are currently being led by Trustees of Reservations staff and other natural resource and green industry professionals trained and supported by Eagle Eye and take place over a 9-month period, occurring once or twice a month.The Green Industry Career Pathway program:

The GICP program year has three distinct phases.

• All YouthBuild students participate in the introductory program activity days including Learn about Forests™  and Conservation Stewardship;
• A smaller subset of youth from each YB site self-select to continue in subsequent activities such as skills days, sample work days, related community service opportunities, and an overnight camping experience. Students build relevant marketable job readiness skills, practice leadership, gain an understanding of the need for stewardship and develop relationships with natural resource professionals, building useful social capital and the beginning of professional networks.
• A few students who discover they enjoy the work and want to pursue additional experience receive support and assistance as they seek internships, short term placements, part or full-time work.

View a calendar of upcoming events in the GICP and other Eagle Eye programs.