Northwestern Mutual provides funding for green initiatives

The Northwestern Mutual Foundation recently presented the Milwaukee Community Service Corps with a $30,000 grant for its Opening Pathways to the Electrical Industry for Milwaukee’s Department of Labor Green Innovation Fund Award.
“In this down economy, resources are needed more than ever to help prepare residents for jobs, help entrepreneurs start their own small businesses and make neighborhoods stronger and more vibrant,” said John Kordsmeier, Northwestern Mutual Foundation president.  “We’re hoping to create a long-term ripple effect that strengthens the community, and that’s what programs like MCSC’s can do.”
The grant will help Milwaukee Community Service Corps will add solar photovoltaic training and apprenticeships that will transition participants into the electrical industry and energy performance management sector. MCSC is a non-profit organization that exists to provide education, life skills and job training opportunities for Milwaukee’s at-risk young adults. 
MCSC will conduct four 3-month long training sessions which will include a cohort of 20 participants each. The first cohort began in January. The training curriculum includes: solar photovoltaic installation and 40-hour health and safety training.
“With this grant, MCSC can provide its Corps members with the entry level training they will need to bridge their transition into the apprentice positions provided by our WRTP partners.  This vocational training to Milwaukee’s at-risk young adults will allow them to earn family supporting wages.” said Reggie Frias, Interim Executive Director at MCSC.