Indianapolis Recorder: Program prepares previously incarcerated youth for environmental management jobs

Read the full story by Jayden Kennett here.

A program through RecycleForce will provide training and placement in environmental jobs for previously incarcerated young adults throughout the state thanks to federal funding.

The program will reach 120 students primarily ages 18-25. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $500,000 to RecycleForce to recruit and train at least 75 of those students in cleanup and reuse of contaminated properties.

Funding for the program comes from a grant from the EPA’s Brownfields Program. With industry-recognized certifications, RecycleForce works primarily with young adults who have been incarcerated or are experiencing homelessness.

The training program will focus on certifying students with one state and 15 federal certifications in lead and asbestos removal, eliminating mold, testing and analyzing samples, and handling emergency remediation.