Opportunity Greenway graduation planned for Aug. 15

More than 40 local area youth and young adults will celebrate their graduation from an innovative summer program that offered unique opportunities to learn about and train for high wage and high demand "green jobs" in the community.

King County Executive Ron Sims will join students, their families and program instructors at a special celebration marking the end of the six-week Opportunity Greenway program:

Opportunity Greenway Graduation
Fri., Aug. 15, 2008
Noon to 2 p.m.
South Seattle Community College - Georgetown Campus
6737 Corson Avenue South, Seattle 98108

Keynote speaker: King County Executive Ron Sims

The pilot program reached out to youth ages 16 to 21, many of them previously involved in the courts and the justice system, offering an opportunity to learn about and experience career opportunities in various "green" fields such as energy efficient construction, weatherization, energy auditing, hybrid bus maintenance, power utility work, cement masonry, and heating and cooling installation.

Created as a "learn and earn" program, Opportunity Greenway provided paid internships aimed at increasing basic skills, work habits and attitudes for success. Coordinated by the King County Work Training Program, Opportunity Greenway involved private employers, King County Wastewater Treatment Division, King County Metro Transit, King County International Airport, Highline School District and Kent Schools and Parks, and local community and technical colleges.

Participants from the program will be available at the graduation to talk about their experiences and future plans. For more information about this program and other green work underway in King County, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/exec/globalwarming/greenwork.