September 2023–December 2024
In 2021, the United States set targets to achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. Community colleges are well positioned to lead these efforts because of their connections to communities and industries impacted by rising temperatures, and they will play an important role in developing new “green industry” practices, standards, and technologies.
Community colleges’ role in workforce training will be central to this effort. To build a sustainable future, community colleges are aligning training programs to the opportunities and demands of a green economy, including the shift from carbon-based fuels to renewable energy sources, the implementation of sustainable water and soil management practices, and the construction, conversion, and maintenance of buildings that are LEED certified.
However, research has yet to document the actions community colleges are taking nationally to prepare students for jobs in the green economy, or the incentives and barriers for community colleges to make such urgently needed changes to their workforce programs.
To begin exploring a research agenda around green jobs, CCRC will host a half-day symposium at the AACC Annual Convening in April 2024 for community college, industry, and government leaders who are committed to developing and expanding training programs that prepare students for high quality jobs in the green economy. We will spotlight promising programs and initiatives already in place at community colleges, discuss funding opportunities, identify unmet needs and opportunities, and articulate a vision for building a green future. The symposium will result in a Call to Action that elevates the role community colleges can and must play to address climate change, and the need for public and private sector response and coordination.
This project is funded by the Crimsonbridge Foundation.
