West LA College Leads State Efforts on Climate Change Solutions through Education and Job Training
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With the State of California's massive investment and ambitious plans to fight climate change, West LA College will be a key part in helping to fill the gap in climate education and training. With the creation of the state's only California Center for Climate Change Education located on West's campus, the College is the new, green epicenter for environmental education and innovation. The Center is focused exclusively on climate change solutions, and job creation to meet the demands of the future workforce. The Center was funded through a $5-million state allocation (AB 1913 – CA Assemblymember Isaac Bryan) and $1.3 million in federal dollars from then-Congresswoman Karen Bass and Senator Alex Padilla. Subsequently, West boasts the – first and only – degree and certificate programs in Climate Change & Environmental Studies among the 116 California community colleges.
- With the creation of the state's only California Center for Climate Change Education located on West's campus, the College is the new, green epicenter for environmental education and innovation.
- The Center is focused exclusively on climate change solutions, and job creation to meet the demands of the future workforce.
- On October 24-26, the Center will host its inaugural Climate Action Palooza , a three-day climate conference focused on youth activism, green-collar job training and education.
- As new careers emerge to respond to the effects of climate change, West LA College is leading efforts to provide hands-on job training for the new wave of expected green-collar tech jobs.