The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $500,000 grant to Groundwork Denver for an environmental job training program in Sheridan and Denver, Colorado. This initiative aims to equip young adults with skills for careers in the environmental sector.
“This EPA Brownfields Job Training grant will help young adults in Colorado land successful jobs in environmental fields,” said EPA Region 8 Regional Administrator KC Becker. “By investing in a local environmental workforce, we can reduce contamination and further sustainability efforts to keep our communities clean.”
The funding supports Groundwork Denver's Green Infrastructure Training (GRIT) program over three years. The GRIT program offers paid opportunities for skill development, federal certifications, and post-program support.
U.S. Senator Michael Bennet expressed his support: “This grant will support Groundwork Denver’s important work to advance local economic opportunities and address environmental issues in the communities that need it most.”
“Our clean energy future is already here. Now, we need the workforce to match it,” added U.S. Senator Hickenlooper. “Investments like this give our workforce the skills and experience for in-demand jobs that’ll clean up contaminated sites and build a more sustainable economy!”
U.S. Representative Diana DeGette emphasized the impact of this investment: “Today's announcement is a huge win for our community and for our workforce."
Groundwork Denver Executive Director Derek McCoy highlighted the significance of the grant: “Thanks to the EPA Brownfields Job Training grant award, we can continue the important work of supporting young people in finding their passion and choosing careers that can help make their communities healthier, greener places to call home.”
Groundwork Denver plans to use this year's funding to enhance employer partnerships and facilitate employment placement. Graduates of the GRIT program will receive certifications such as OSHA-10, HASWOPER-40, CPR/First Aid, among others.
Groundwork Denver is one of 16 organizations receiving over $7.6 million collectively from EPA grants aimed at building skilled environmental workforces across economically distressed areas nationwide.
For more information on these grants, visit EPA’s Brownfields Job Training Grants webpage.
