REAP & Partners Win Major Workforce Grant

In a breakthrough for climate workforce development, the partnership between REAP, Greenbelt Alliance, and Pacific Coast Community Services was selected to receive a $530,760 Catalyst Grant.

Funded by California Jobs First through the Bay Area Jobs First Collaborative, the grant will fund REAP programs to build pathways for regenerative jobs.

This grant represents a big step forward in REAP’s mission as it provides the tools and trades for communities to grow Earth-Conscious Industries, according to a REAP Center press release. The grant validates their core findings that:

• Climate risk is business Risk, climate mitigation is opportunity.
• Workforce and industry gaps threaten community resilience.
• Green infrastructure and innovation provide jobs.

The Catalyst grant will fund the Regenerative Jobs Program, which reflects REAP’s core impact strategy that supporting jobs with positive community and environmental impacts generates resilient, forward-thinking economies.

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The grant will enable REAP to:

• Develop four new accredited certificate programs in fungi-based bioremediation, biochar, vermiculture, and composting.
• Provide hands-on training to underserved Bay Area communities at REAP’s Alameda campus.
• Support clients with professional development and career skills.

This project will launch a series of job training courses as well as develop their Regenerative Labs and workshops. The program will enroll 40 clients in the first phase, eventually serving 100 clients annually within these disciplines. Learn more about the Catalyst grant in the REAP Center blog.

In addition to the Catalyst Grant, REAP Center also has raised funding from many other sources, including:

• Job training contracts and revenue from Native American Health Centers, the Department of Rehab, and others.
• Grants from the Hellman Foundation, Heart of Heffernan, Build it Green, Community Climate Implementation Fund, and more.
• Donations from individuals in the community.

However, the bulk of these funds will not be available until early May, according to the press release, which leaves the center with a $208,000 funding gap at present. Those who wish to may donate online.