MILWAUKEE, July 10, 2014 --Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, is kicking off the 2014 Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) that will provide 48 Milwaukee area high school students real world job experiences. CLC is a paid summer jobs program that was created and is sponsored by Johnson Controls in partnership with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB) who manage the program.
CLC provides students with hands-on conservation experiences that deliver a personal sense of stewardship. In conjunction to these experiences, students build job skills through training and services. Students will work with nine crew leaders over the next six weeks at the following Milwaukee County Parks: Noyes, Grobschmidt, Warnimont, Copernicus, Drtezka, Root River Parkway, Underwood Creek and Oak Creek Parkway The crews will complete community beautification and conservation service projects, including ecosystem restoration and trail work as well as routine maintenance of neighborhood green space.
“The Conservation Leadership Corps program is important to us as it has a positive impact on the city of Milwaukee and the area’s high school students,” said Karen Sommer, director, global public affairs, Johnson Controls. “The students have a unique opportunity to gain hands-on work experience, while developing professional skills and learning about the importance of environmental conservation.”
The crews will also be assigned special projects with Alice’s Garden, Alliance for the Great Lakes (Adopt-A-Beach), Groundworks Milwaukee, Hunger Task Force Farm & Fish Hatchery and the Urban Ecology Center that will focus on urban food systems, neighborhood garden installations, coastal clean-up and water quality testing projects.
On Aug. 1, the students will participate in Green Jobs Day, hosted by Johnson Controls at its LEED Platinum Glendale-based headquarters. Students will learn the importance of sustainability, energy efficiency and the skills needed to be a leader in tomorrow’s workforce. Interactive presentations activities provide insight to potential career paths and opportunities.
The CLC participants were selected from more than 100 applicants. Applicants needed to demonstrate leadership, a strong work ethic, civic engagement and interest in helping to conserve the environment.
The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony on Aug. 8 at the Lake Park Pavilion with students and crew leaders receiving recognition and awards.
Support for the CLC program is primarily provided by Johnson Controls in conjunction with Helen Bader Foundation, MAWIB, Wisconsin Energy Foundation, Baird Foundation, Inc. and Whole Foods.
Established in Milwaukee, Johnson Controls also sponsors the CLC in Detroit, with similar programs offered in China, Mexico, Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
About Johnson Controls:
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2014, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #12 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
Contact:
Fraser Engerman
414-524-2733
[email protected]