May 18th, 2009 (Hilo, Hawai`i) Green Collar Technologies has partnered with Goodwill Industries of Hawai`i to deliver innovative green collar youth training and job program in support of Goodwill’s Ola I Ka Hana Program. Goodwill acts as the employer of record to help the youth earn good wages and credits towards earning their high school diplomas.

“This is just the type of program we believe can have long term impact in our community. Working with youth builds our foundation of sustainability.” said Brent Norris of Green Collar Technologies.

These green collar work / training programs are being facilitated by sustainable living instructors from the recently completed, Sustainable Living Educational Series in Kona, Hawai`i.

Sustainable Gardening expert and biologist, Claudia Ziroli stated, “this is a unique challenge to work with the youngest in our communities that can also benefit the most. We’re helping teach the next generation of sustainability practitioners how to live more self-sufficiently on the island.”

Green Collar Technologies is developing several Summer Youth programs designed to provide safe work environments and green collar training in offline and online sustainability. Youth will work on various projects such as rainwater harvesting, gardening, farming, composting and telecommuting.

Goodwill’s Ola I Ka Hana program offers free services to at-risk youth, ages 15-21, who are out of school. Each participant works to develop an individualized assessment and service strategy. The strategy addresses educational goals, job skills, and employability. Participants also receive job readiness training sessions to focus on resume development, job search and interviewing skills, job applications and career interests. Youth also have the opportunity to have mentors, or paid internships through this program. A primary goal is to assist youth in obtaining their high school diploma.

Green Collar Technologies is a federally recognized, 501c3 operating in Hawai`i. Green Collar Technologies help create, organize, research and develop sustainable initiatives towards creating a global model for sustainability on Hawaii Island.

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Contacts
Bettye S. Williams -Hawaii County Operations Director, Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Inc., 808-961-0307 x1401, BWilliams@higoodwill.org

Brent Norris – Director, Green Collar Technologies

aloha@greencollartech.com – http://greencollartech.com