For immediate release — June 25, 2009

(AUSTIN) — Green jobs mean a greener economy. That’s the strategy behind a new partnership formed by five community and technical colleges/systems along the I-35 corridor in Texas.

Members of the new I-35 Green Corridor Collaborative — the Dallas County Community College District, Alamo Colleges, Austin Community College District, Temple College and the Texas State Technical College System — signed an agreement today in Austin with two key objectives in mind: putting Texans to work in emerging green economy careers and attracting federal stimulus dollars to the region.

Created by ACC, the group represents an innovative approach to regional job training and a response to the federal stimulus package. Members will share their expertise, experience and resources to create a collaborative approach to workforce training for high-demand green economy fields such as solar power technology, conservation and sustainability of existing resources, plus alternative fuels. The GCC will apply for federal stimulus money earmarked for renewable energy development.

The collaborative was formed among two-year institutions along the I-35 corridor to address green economy careers because community colleges are the primary trainers of the region’s workforce.

Dr. Wright Lassiter, DCCCD’s chancellor, said, “We are excited to join the I-35 Green Corridor Collaborative. As the primary gateway to higher education for more than 64,000 Dallas County residents, DCCCD has been educating skilled workers who can support the growth of green building and other emerging industries that are environmentally friendly and economically attractive.”

He added, “Sharing resources will enhance each member college’s ability to develop and expand expertise more quickly and to support this diverse industry. Our forward-thinking collaborative will help us train a highly skilled workforce and provide local residents with new jobs and learning opportunities in these emerging career areas. Our communities will see job growth and economic recovery as we all work together to support sustainability and more environmentally friendly endeavors.”

The participating institutions will share curriculum, eliminating duplication of programs and enabling GCC members to expand their training capabilities efficiently and to help produce a highly skilled workforce.

“Texas has emerged as a national leader in the effort to prepare workers in the specialized skills required for renewable energy jobs,” said Tom Pauken, chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission. “Through this collaboration, these five major college systems will address the skills needs of Texas employers to create jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency fields.”

Future plans for the GCC may include adding partners in industry and four-year colleges and universities (for research purposes).

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Press contact: Ann Hatch
214-378-1819; ahatch@dcccd.edu
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