Moving from Red to Green: Working Women in the Green Economy
Business and Professional Women's Foundation has launched an initiative to connect women with green jobs and increase their participation in the emerging green economy. With generous support from the Walmart Foundation, BPW Foundation has established a pilot program and awarded $60,000 grants to four organizations to expand their capacity to engage and train women for green jobs.
Moving from Red to Green Fact Sheet
The goals of the initiative are:
- To improve the lives and careers of working women;
- To provide opportunities for employers by increasing diversity in the workplace and providing them with a larger trained workforce pool; and
- To build capacity for training providers.
Red to Green Local Pilot Sites
- CLIMB Wyoming is a nationally recognized training model that provides innovative and comprehensive services to economically disadvantaged single mothers and their families.
- Vermont Works for Women helps women and girls explore and pursue their full potential through education and training programs that lead to financial independence.
- Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service and Education Center (PVMSEC) provides employment, training and related educational services, especially in green jobs, to all honorably discharged veterans.
- Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles (WINTERGreen) provides training and services to low-income women and youth in Los Angeles who can benefit from receiving the skills and support they need to pursue genuinely gainful employment.
Each selected site has a strong interest in expanding green jobs and training for women; a proven track record demonstrating training and outreach capabilities; and are recognized leaders in one or more of the following areas: environmental or sustainability programs; relevant green, industry-driven training and job placement and green career awareness, guidance and development; or women-focused training programs and services. By teaming with established training providers, BPW Foundation will be able to further engage women, determine how to meet their needs and expedite their entry into jobs they may not have considered.
The selection of diverse organizations and geographical reach will provide opportunities to study and evaluate a range of providers, populations, regions and industry sectors. BPW Foundation will be tracking companies, organizations and businesses interested in supporting and expanding the role of women in the emerging green economy. A result of the Red to Green initiative will be program and service models that help women understand, access and excel in these careers and industries as they evolve.
Press for Moving from Red to Green
BPW Foundation Funds Four Sites to Train Women for Green [BPW Foundation]
Moving from Red to Green Press Release [BPW Foundation]
Green jobs training for women [Mother Nature Network]
US group calls for "green-collar" jobs for women [businessGreen.com]
BPW, Wal-Mart Foundations Partner on Green Job-Training Initiative [Foundation Center]
Red to Green Site Selection Announcement Press Release [BPW Foundation]
CLIMB/WY to train moms for green jobs with BPW Foundation Grant [Billings Gazette]
WY program to train women for green jobs [CBS 5 News Channel]
