eCUSE, the Environmental Collaborative for Urban Sustainable Employment, will build on the capacity of a comprehensive range of partner organizations committed to increase employment options in green technology for: low-income individuals with past criminal histories; young adults between the ages of 18 and 24; disadvantaged adults living in poverty including women and veterans; and displaced workers living in the Syracuse Inner City.　 In addition, this initiative will develop a pipeline of skilled talent for burgeoning area green industries, particularly alternative bio-fuels and energy efficiency, areas in which Syracuse is a national leader.

· Recruiting, training, services, and supports in and through neighborhood organizations;

· Assessments that determines participant capabilities and interests, informs career exploration and assist participants to make successful career choices;

· Implementation of a case management process that follows and supports participants from recruitment through job placement and retention;

· Resources for participants to gain skills and overcome barriers needed to achieve success such as: work readiness and occupational skill training, literacy and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) training, career exploration, and placement assistance;

· Referral to and supports for transportation, child care, and work-related clothing or tools; and

· Implementation of interdisciplinary teams to improve performance, communicate best practices and assure participant success.

The program will benefit from the direct guidance of employer, labor and participant stakeholder Advisory Councils.　

It is anticipated that no fewer than 1,000 persons will be served and at least 366 individuals placed in employment as a result of the eCUSE Initiative.　 However, it is expected that, in addition to job placements, eCUSE will have additional measurable positive impacts on the greater Syracuse community, such as:

· Poverty and unemployment rates will be positively impacted through effective assessment, career exploration, training, linkages with employers, and continued training leading to certifications and career advancement in green employment sectors;

· Basic education and language deficits will be addressed through comprehensive services in areas of academic testing, developing effective remedial strategies, and partnering with local educational institutions for native English and non-English speakers;

· Persons with criminal histories will be supported with services to reduce the impact of their background and interventions prior to entering the justice system;

· Poor work habits, weak job readiness, and ineffective job seeking and retention skills will be addressed through contextualized neighborhood-based classes; and

· Green training program capacity will be expanded through addition of funds, allowing them to take on more trainees in a given year.

For more information on the eCUSE Initiative please contact Michael Irwin at CNY Works, 443 N. Franklin St.

mirwin@cnyworks.com

727-9483

　The Westcott Community Center is pleased to be a subcontractor under this grant.