This initiative creates a "green collar" job-training program to provide disconnected youth with marketable employment skills in arboriculture, ecological restoration and landscape design and installation.

Problem Statement
A 2005 New York population study found that 165,000 16-24 year olds were out of school and out of work. Those who are disconnected as young adults for long periods are more likely to experience long bouts of unemployment and to earn lower wages throughout their adult lives.

The need for skilled individuals for forestry and landscaping jobs in particular is part of a national growth of the "green collar" industry. "Green collar" jobs, which are defined as "jobs that contribute directly to preserving or enhancing environmental quality," are increasingly in demand as cities strive to be more environmentally friendly, efficient and sustainable.

Research & Evidence
National research has shown that early work experience during the teenage years leads to positive labor market outcomes for youth.

"Green collar" jobs, which are defined as "well-paid, career track jobs that contribute directly to preserving or enhancing environmental quality," are increasingly in demand as cities strive to be more environmentally friendly, efficient and sustainable. A recent study commissioned by the American Solar Energy Society reported that the nation now has 8.5 million jobs in renewable energy or energy efficient industries, while Jerome Ringo, president of the Apollo Alliance, predicted that the nation could generate three to five million more "green" jobs over the next 10 years. The New York State Department of Labor further forecasts a "favorable" to "very favorable" job outlook in the New York City region for horticulture positions.

In New York City, PlaNYC is creating tens of thousands of new jobs in the "green collar" industry, with nearly 3,000 new jobs to be as a result of MillionTreesNYC. MillionTreesNYC is a 10-year initiative to plant and care for one million new trees throughout the City's five boroughs. It will ultimately expand the City's urban forest by 20 percent, provide New Yorkers important health, economic and environmental benefits, and create a more sustainable urban environment.

Program Description
MillionTreesNYC, a public-private partnership between Department of Parks and Recreation, New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and the Mayor's Fund, will expand the City's urban forest by 20% by planting trees along streets, in parks, and on other public and private land.

The MillionTrees Training Program meets the dual goals of helping disconnected youth gain valuable job skills that lead to well-paying jobs as well as addressing the growing demand for trained "green collar" professionals as a result of the city's MillionTreesNYC initiative. The program is jointly administered by the Parks Department and NYRP.

Trainees choose one of three tracks-arboriculture, ecological restoration, or community forestry/landscape design-to develop marketable skills in climbing and pruning, as well as tree planting, re-forestation techniques, and horticulture. The training will expose participants to a wide range of urban forestry career opportunities and help them to qualify, upon completion of the program, to work in the growing field of "green collar" jobs in the public and private sector.

The eight-month paid training program is divided into three phases:

• Phase 1: A one-month joint orientation session, which includes skills assessment and customized personal skills training curriculum; an introduction of the three tracks and the Parks and NYRP programs; a rotation through the varied work assignments; and an application process for participants to select a training track.
  
• Phase 2: A three month certification training within the career tracts.
  
• Phase 3: A four-month field work and tree planting, outreach and stewardship of MillionTreesNYC.

On April 8, 2009, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Department of Agriculture awarded a $2 million grant to create green jobs and restore urban forests in New York City. The grant will create up to 20 new jobs in horticulture and forestry over the next two years for graduates of the MillionTreesNYC training program.

Target Population
Young adults age 18-24 who are neither employed nor in school. Recruitment efforts focus on residents of NYCHA housing, and the Trees for Public Health (TPH) neighborhoods, which have higher than average rates of asthma among young people including: Hunts Point (Bronx), Morrisania (Bronx), East New York (Brooklyn), East Harlem (Manhattan) Rockaways (Queens) and Stapleton (Staten Island). Participants who have completed CEO's Young Adult Internship Program are also recruited.

Expected Outcomes
The program target is to graduate and place 24 participants in arboriculture and forestry positions at Parks and NYRP, as well as landscape design and installation positions at NYRP and with established private partners such as landscape firms and plant nurseries in NYC.
Outcomes:

• 24 disconnected youth complete program and placed in "green jobs" (stimulus funding will employ 20 youth graduates, others will receive job placement assistance)
  
• 24 participants receive certification in Composting, Horticulture or a Pesticide Apprentice Training
  
• Placement and retention in an approved position 6 months following the completion of the training, or in a higher education program.