This project provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) (PL 117-58) for LA HBS (honeybee strategies, INC.) to conduct eligible technical assistance-related activities…

This $626,560 Cooperative Agreement, awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Brownfields Job Training program (CFDA 66.815), will fund Honeybee Strategies, Inc., a non-profit organization, to conduct eligible technical assistance activities related to environmental remediation and workforce development in southern Louisiana.

The key products and services under this award include:

• Recruiting, training, and placing 150 unemployed and underemployed residents of southern Louisiana in environmental careers, providing them with the skills and certifications needed to safely conduct remediation work at solid and hazardous waste-contaminated sites, as well as training in green remediation technologies, emergency planning, and chemical safety.
• Delivering 8 classroom-style, practical, and curriculum training modules leading to appropriate environmental sampling, site cleanup, OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER, and other relevant certifications.
• Conducting outreach and recruitment activities to engage employer and community partners, promote the training program, and strengthen relationships with existing partners.

The project period for this Cooperative Agreement runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2029.

This project provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) (PL 117-58) for LA HBS (honeybee strategies, INC.) to conduct eligible technical assistance-related activities as authorized by cercla 104(K)(7). The recipient will recruit, train, and place unemployed and underemployed residents of southern louisiana in environmental careers with skills needed to safely conduct remediation work at solid and hazardous waste-contaminated sites, as well as appropriate training in green remediation technologies, emergency planning and chemical safety. Honeybee strategies will provide a mobile training course to offer job training opportunities to brownfield communities throughout south louisiana. HBS has partnered with community organizations and will offer a training program tailored to each partner community's and community employer needs. The training curriculum will include the 40-hour hazwoper and up to an additional 120 hours (for a total of 4 weeks if the training is offered during the daytime). Our program is designed to be flexible, allowing US to meet students' scheduling needs effectively. The training program is based on providing transferable skills, knowledge, and certifications that employers find useful for entry-level employees.activities:this project will train graduates to earn skills and certifications necessary to enter into environmental careers. Activities to be performed during under this project are honeybee strategies' curriculum includes a foundational core of the 40-hour hazwoper, OSHA general industry or construction outreach training, OSHA disaster site worker outreach and first aid/CPR/AED, and bloodborne pathogens. Also, the recipient will report on interim progress and final accomplishments by completing and submitting relevant portions of the property profile form using EPA's assessment, cleanup and redevelopment exchange system (ACRES). Outreach and recruitment will include working with employer and community partners, creating social media posts, developing marketing materials and attending community events to reach and recruit the targeted populations, potential employers, and program partners. Outreach will also be used to strengthen relationships with existing program partners and employers.subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:this project will provide training to south louisiana. The anticipated deliverables for are: 150 of individuals recruited, trained, certified, and placed in environmental careers in communities impacted by solid and hazardous waste sites and facilities. 8 of classroom style trainings, practical trainings, and curricula modules. 8 of appropriate certifications in environmental sampling and site cleanup methods. 150 of individuals that receive certifications in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 40-hour hazwoper training. Expected outcomes from this project include: -help residents of communities take advantage of jobs created by the assessment and cleanup of brownfields and the assessment, cleanup, and management of solid and hazardous waste sites and facilities while addressing environmental justice concerns. -provide training that leads to sustainable employment in the environmental field. -improve community involvement and stimulate the development of constructive partnerships. -reduce exposures to hazardous substances and other contaminants and improve the health of workers, occupants, and residents. -foster self-sufficiency and enhance the skills and availability of labor for environmental remediation in environmental justice and other communities impacted by environmental contamination. -enable residents to participate in the promotion of environmental health and occupational safety, both on the job and in their communities.