For a young girl, the best day ever might start with a shovel, work gloves, and a first paycheck—realizing her work matters and she can contribute to her neighborhood. Through Groundwork Erie, a nonprofit founded in 2021 focused on environmental justice and urban agriculture, that opportunity is becoming real through youth workforce development.
With support from The Erie Community Foundation, Groundwork Erie expanded its Green Team program, providing 150 hours of paid, hands-on training for youth ages 14–18 in community forestry, urban agriculture, neighborhood cleanups, and beautification projects. The program builds job skills while preparing young people to lead in their communities.
The impact is real and practical. Teenagers plant their first tree that makes their neighborhood cooler, cleaner, and more beautiful. Another student brings home a paycheck that helps cover groceries for their family. A group of students harvest vegetables on their own and then share them with neighbors who need fresh food.
When funding challenges threatened to slow progress, Groundwork Erie shifted its focus toward long-term sustainability, developing social enterprises in landscaping, composting, tree planting, and urban agriculture.
By inspiring young people, engaging neighborhoods, and empowering future leaders, Groundwork Erie is helping create a greener and stronger Erie – one shovel, one garden, and one student at a time.