Job Training Program In Newark: ‘Passport To Green Jobs, Careers’

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of a Patch Newark community member. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA), Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA), Parents Engaging Parents (PEP), the Newark Workforce Development Board (NWDB), and RMNeilson & Associates are excited to announce the launch of the Passport to Green Jobs and Careers Training Program. This innovative initiative is designed to equip South Ward residents with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the burgeoning green economy. Generously funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), the program emerges from discussions held during the Green Jobs for a Sustainable Future roundtable, chaired by First Lady Tammy Murphy.

The Passport to Green Jobs and Careers Training Program features the Green Alliance Leadership Academy (GALA), a comprehensive 4-week training initiative. GALA aims to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and expertise to pursue careers in environmentally sustainable industries. Through hands-on training, workshops, and support services, the program offers credential-bearing tools essential for success in the green job market.

“SWEA is thrilled to partner with CHCA, PEP, and the Newark Workforce Development Board to bring the GALA program to the South Ward community,” said Kim Gaddy, Executive Director of SWEA. “This program presents a unique opportunity for residents to acquire valuable skills and certifications in a rapidly growing sector, while also receiving support to overcome employment barriers.”

CHCA will provide comprehensive support services, including child care assistance, ensuring that all participants can fully engage in the program. PEP will offer coaching and mentoring, supporting participants throughout their journey. NWDB will collaborate with GALA fellows to secure placements in green jobs or pre-apprenticeships leading to long-term employment opportunities in the green sector.

“We believe the GALA program has the potential to significantly impact the lives of South Ward residents,” said Khaatim Sherrer El, CHCA’s Executive Director. “By equipping individuals with the skills and support necessary for success in the green economy, we are creating pathways to economic stability and community resilience.”

The program is open to South Ward residents aged 17 and over, with no prior experience required. There are 120 limited spots available, with a particular encouragement for women with children and young people seeking pathways to quality, high-paying green jobs.

Additionally, RMNeilson & Associates will work with businesses in the South Ward and the South Ward Special Improvement District (SID) to expand service offerings within the green economy. Thirty businesses will be selected to receive coaching and funding to create meaningful pathways into this growing sector.

For more information about the GALA Green Jobs Training Program and how to apply, please contact Patricia Canning at gala@southwardea.com

About South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA)

The South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) is a coalition of residents and community-based organizations focused on environmental justice issues in Newark’s South Ward. SWEA’s mission is to cultivate healthy and vibrant neighborhoods by ensuring residents’ voices are heard and they are active participants in decision-making processes that impact their community. SWEA empowers residents to be informed, engaged, and proactive on key environmental issues affecting their health and quality of life.

About Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA)

Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA) is a nonprofit community development organization dedicated to revitalizing the Clinton Hill neighborhood in Newark’s South Ward. CHCA believes in a resident-led approach to identifying and addressing challenges, facilitating collaborative action and advocacy for sustained community progress. Since its founding in 2019, CHCA has focused on quality, affordable housing, food security, economic empowerment, and environmental justice, building trust and engaging residents to address long-standing community issues.

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