UNITE-LA Kicks Off Second Year of LA Regional Cleantech Career Academy

LOS ANGELES, CA (Sept. 25, 2024) — UNITE-LA launched its second year of the LA Regional Cleantech Career Academy (Academy). This first-of-its-kind program connects students from historically marginalized communities with paid, educational opportunities and work experience in the ever-growing cleantech industry. UNITE-LA developed the Academy in partnership with employers across the L.A. region who share their belief that education and diverse perspectives are key to solving our toughest environmental problems — including the fight against climate change. 

The Academy enrolls young people, ages 18-24, for a 12-week, paid program, which includes: 

• Paid, work-based learning opportunities and industry-related training, including guest speakers, industry site visits and industry-relevant projects 

• Potential opportunity of a six–eight-week, paid work experience with an employer partner 

• $17.28 per hour for all learning and work experience time, funded in part thanks to a partnership with the City and County of Los Angeles and State of California workforce development agencies 

• Scholarships to support enrollment in certificate or degree programs aligned with the cleantech sector workforce needs, upon completion of the Academy and internship

In addition, the Academy connects a diverse pipeline of students to leading employers. In turn, the employers who partner with UNITE-LA to bring this program to students: 

• Gain access to a local, workforce pipeline that is centered on diversity and equity 

• Shape student curriculum and training 

• Have opportunities for brand integration and visibility at marquee events 

• Support regional efforts for an equitable, clean energy transition

“The Academy is a significant component to the career pathways work UNITE-LA leads, which focuses on building an inclusive, equitable future for the young adults we serve. This particular pathway, cleantech, is incredibly timely, as it is projected the industry will create four million new jobs, which will pay 30 percent above California’s median wage on average,” said Alysia Bell, President, UNITE-LA. “It’s a win-win - businesses invest in their future talent and students learn the in-demand skills needed to fight climate change in high-growth, high-wage jobs.” 

The Academy is funded by generous support from employer, foundation and government partners. In addition to funding, support is also provided with partner input and collaboration, resources, on-the-job training and job placement opportunities. 

Founded in 2022, the Academy continues to have success stories with its graduates. Andrea Abrego continues to work as an intern with Veolia after completing the Cleantech Academy in the Spring of 2022. Veolia is a company that specializes in finding solutions both useful and practical for water, waste and energy management for business clients. Abrego commented, “The people (at Veolia) are friendly, supportive. They take into consideration my own career aspirations and look for opportunities that align with my career goals. Every day, I am willing to learn something new there.”

For companies and organizations who would like to learn more about participating and/or supporting the LA Regional Cleantech Career Academy, please visit the Partner section of the website. For students interested in joining a future Academy, please click here.