Home References Program Maintenance & Sustainability Program Maintenance and Sustainability Introduction
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Introduction

Before local environmental job development and training programs were established, residents in brownfields-impacted communities had little access to brownfields remediation jobs. Quality jobs were often given to trained workers from other communities. As Brownfields Job Development and Training programs expanded, communities were able to benefit from jobs created by brownfields redevelopment.

 

Pilot projects funded by the EPA demonstrated that with a small amount of start-up assistance, communities could develop their own environmental workforce by institutionalizing community-based, environmental job training programs. As these programs matured and several training cycles were completed, program maintenance and sustainability issues emerged.

 

Program maintenance and sustainability includes issues, activities, and organizational structure related to the continued operation of the Brownfields Job Development and Training program. Securing long-term financial support is one of the most critical issues in creating sustainability. Another, less obvious, but equally important issue is program operation, usually associated with program maintenance. Maintaining and sustaining a quality environmental Brownfields Job Development and Training program requires you to continually generate interest and keep the program current and relevant. Program accomplishments must exceed the expectations of existing supporters and capture the attention of new stakeholders.


      In order to continue healthy operation of the program,    
      you must demonstrate outcomes that indicate quality    
      and value to all parties - trainees, stakeholders,
      employers, and the community.


You and your staff must direct your energy toward partnering, recruiting students, placing graduates, tracking, and funding activities, making clear each partner's expected contribution to maintenance and sustainability. You must identify and address goals and objectives of maintenance and sustainability with each partner.


The intent of EPA's Brownfields Job Development and Training program has been to provide only seed or start-up assistance to establish community-based training programs. Therefore, as a Brownfields Job Development and Training program manager, you must make the transition from startup to sustainability. The key is to develop institutionalized, long-term programs that maintain the relevance and contribution of the program to the community as start-up assistance decreases.
  Equipment is decontaminated at t brownfields site.

           Equipment is decontaminated at a 
           brownfields site.
           Photo credit: U.S. EPA


Over several years of operation, some grantees have demonstrated success in developing sustainable organizations, while others have not been able to achieve that goal. What is the difference among the programs?

 

The following five categories can help you organize these areas into tangible activities that will encourage growth and sustainability of your program:

  • Organizational structure

  • Fundraising and program development

  • Public relations

  • Partnerships

  • Tuition-based training



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