Has it already been 15 years? For the Louisiana GreenCorps, the milestone called for a celebratory event and on May 13, the organization did just that when it took over the Broadside to welcome Green Corps graduates, staff members, board members, donors and partners.

Highlights of the event included entertainment from Alexis and the Sanity, Da Truth Brass Band and T Marie & Bayou Juju, as well as Forest Bradley-Wright being honored for his service to Green Corps over the past 15 years. Bradley-Wright recently transitioned from board president to president emeritus and the group wanted to recognize his hard work.

What does Louisiana Green Corps do? It trains young adults and adults 18 and up in construction, green infrastructure and conservation. Receiving hand-on training allows them to get experience and credentials — 100 percent of its graduates obtain at least one professional certification, making them more competitive in the job market. The organization also places 91 percent of its graduates into employment or post-secondary education.

“We know green careers not only address the damaging effects of climate change, they also present an incredible opportunity to increase real equity in our region,” said Executive Director Ryan Mattingly. “We are seeing an unprecedented amount of funding go to creating a green economy and we want to ensure local New Orleanians are the ones that benefit!”

Fun Fact

• As an organization that promotes green projects and professions, its official shirt says it is “Part of the Solution.”