PowerCorpsPHL’s PowerTrek: Connecting Workforce Development with Environmental Stewardship

Mobile Workshop

PowerCorpsPHL is a cross-sector collaborative model that engages disconnected young adults and returning citizens to enter and succeed in career pathways by using service as the strategy. It provides career-connected education and paid work experiences in collaboration with AmeriCorps and the City of Philadelphia, powered by EducationWorks. Working closely with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Philadelphia Water Department, and partners in the public and private sector, PowerCorpsPHL builds opportunities for young people to create promising futures by tackling pressing environmental challenges and developing the skills required to secure meaningful work. Each member goes through specifically tailored phases, created to enrich their lives through service.

Join PowerCorpsPHL on a two-mile hike along Boxer’s Trail in East Fairmount Park. Our PowerTrek will provide participants an opportunity to learn more about PowerCorpsPHL, how it’s structured, how the initiative has evolved, and how it has been the talent pipeline for young Black and Brown Philadelphians into sustainability-related careers for the past eight years. Participants will see past and current environmental sustainability projects, learn more about the critical partnerships with city departments, other nonprofits, and the private sector, and gain insight into our industry pathways for quality employment, all while moving in nature.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Recognize the essential components that make a 21st century Climate Corps successful in cities
  • Gain a better understanding of different partnership structures and how to align diverse stakeholders around equity, workforce development, and climate goals
  • Incorporate strategies for diversifying recruitment and integrating trauma-informed practices into climate corps

Tour Leaders

Nick Stoughton

Green Infrastructure Industry Academy Foreman, PowerCorpsPHL

Carlos Alvarez

Assistant Director of Industry Training, PowerCorpsPHL