Closing the G.A.P. End of Year Highlights

In Closing the G.A.P youth participated in 60-hours of pre-apprenticeship training to gain an apprenticeship as an “Environmental Specialist” in the green job economy. At TJHS a total of 40 students broken into 3 cohorts complete the full 60-hour training. 

During this training youth learned about 10-modules within the modules youth gained 10-microcredentials in: 

• Fundamentals of Environmental Literacy Water

• Waste

• Transportation

• Energy

• Building

• Health, Food & Agriculture

• Civic Engagement & Leadership

• Financial Literacy & Social Entrepreneurship Application & Practice

Facilitated in weekly sessions our youth training specialist led a multi-media style course accounting for a variety of learning styles. Classroom culture/climate was similar to a worksite with strict expectations around time management, organization, and task completion while in session. In addition youth were provided experiential opportunities that introduced our participants to real world learning with classroom visits for local green job partners. Students got the opportunity to partake in a career-connected learning presentation designed to prepare high school students for future success in college and the workforce.

Experiential learning opportunities included: 

• Site visits from Waste Management

• Eligibility and Requirements for King County JumpStart Internship Presentation

• Site visits from King County WasteWater Treatment Division

Growth in Workforce Readiness and Green Job Awareness

The Closing the Gap initiative showed a measurable impact on students’ preparedness for entering the green workforce. Prior to the program, only 28.6% of students felt that their current education was preparing them for a career in the green economy. By the end of the program, 87.5% of participants reported feeling prepared to explore a green career path, with 75% stating they would consider pursuing a career in the sector.

Students wrote about their experiences:

“Green jobs not only preserve our world for future generations but also restore prior damage… they help make the earth a better, safer place for everyone.”

“I didn’t think about this as a job path before. Now I want to help people and work somewhere that helps the planet too.”

By integrating pre-apprenticeship training, policy advocacy projects, and youth-led roundtables, CTG has strengthened not only technical career skills, but also civic empowerment. Programs like this provide essential infrastructure for environmental literacy in BIPOC communities, bridging the gap between environmental justice and economic opportunity.

Learn more about Closing the G.A.P:

CLOSING THE G.A.P.