The Two LA-Based Non-Profits are on A Mission to Change Lives and Bring Climate Equity to the Community
(Los Angeles, CA) – Two Los Angeles-based non-profit organizations have joined forces to bring electric-vehicle workforce training to young adults at risk for involvement with the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Earth2Green USA and Acceler8 Education Group are teaming up to bring climate equity to the communities they serve, while simultaneously building the next generation of changemakers.
The youth of today face complex challenges: lack of direct access to positive role models compounded with increased direct exposure to the gang network through social media puts opportunity youth at greater risk than ever. Gangs provide a substitute for caring adults, addressing low self-esteem, the desire for a sense of belonging and safety or protection. Earth2Green USA and Acceler8 have committed to countering these influences by providing law enforcement volunteers and automotive professionals as positive role models, preparing youth for careers in the burgeoning alternative fuel vehicle industry.
Hitting two birds with one stone, these two impactful organizations are providing paths towards long-term, growing careers for at-risk youth while simultaneously bringing climate equity to the community and propelling the progress of green initiatives in underserved neighborhoods.
This one-of-a-kind mentorship program will leverage the brilliance and expertise of top industry mentors to teach and coach these young adults, training them for the workforce while helping prevent their potential involvement with gangs, violence, and crime. In 2019, there were just under 4,000 juvenile felony arrests in Los Angeles alone. Together, Earth2Green USA and Acceler8 plan to not only change that number but change the lives of the individuals most vulnerable to juvenile delinquency.
Acceler8’s CEO, Sgt. Charles Woodruff, states, “Teaming up with Earth2Green is a natural fit for us as we begin to look at the automotive workforce our youth will enter into the shift to more alternative energy awareness. Bringing in their guidance and support to get our youth into the most up to date standards on alternative fuel vehicles will be a huge leg up for them in getting jobs – and also benefit our region and our world.”
“Earth2Green is thrilled to partner with Acceler8 to bring environmentally responsible and promising career opportunities to the young adults in our communities. They deserve opportunities for growth and security, and we think the burgeoning electric vehicle industry is a great avenue to do just that,” says Earth2Green CEO, William Bridge.
Through proof of concept, dedication to innovation, and unwavering commitment to supporting at-risk youth, the purpose-driven vision of Earth2Green USA and Acceler8 Education Group has come to fruition.
To learn more about Earth2Green USA and Acceler8 Education Group, please visit: https://earth2green.org/ or https://www.acceler8education.org/
About Earth2Green USA
Earth2Green USA is the US affiliate of Green Cross International, an industry-leading environmental non-profit with a 30-year legacy of forward-thinking environmental programs to address sustainability in an equitable manner. Earth2Green seeks an abundant future for all people, places, and the planet. They envision a world where there is no conflict between economic needs and the systems of life.
About Acceler8 Education Group
Acceler8 Education Group (Acceler8) is a youth mentorship and workforce training program created by two veteran law enforcement officers to address the crisis of teens and unemployed young adults becoming involved with the juvenile or criminal justice systems. Youth at risk develop positive relationships with mentors in law enforcement, often receiving guidance and structure at a critical time in their transition to adulthood. Acceler8 leverages the shared enthusiasm for automobiles by youth and law enforcement officers to provide a common ground for students and mentors to bond.
Website: https://earth2green.org/ // https://www.acceler8education.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalgreen/?hl=en // https://www.instagram.com/acceler8la/?hl=en For more information or press inquiries, please contact Malinda Monterrosa at sustainability@earth2green.org or (323) 899-3977.
