Acerca de

UpLift: a workforce Developent Program of Howard EcoWorks

What is UpLift?

UpLift is a 10-month workforce development program designed to launch careers in the green industry. This is a full-time and paid job on our conservation crews, open to individuals ages 18 and up. UpLift supports unemployed and underemployed participants through paid, hands-on training in stormwater management, sustainable landscaping, and conservation practices.

Offered in partnership with Maryland Corps Service Year Option through the Department of Service and Civic Innovation, UpLift also provides industry-recognized certifications focused on climate-resilient landscaping. UpLift is also partnered with the Maryland Climate Crew Network, a green workforce development pilot program.

What Does UpLift Do?

Conservation

Make a direct impact in local communities through hands on environmental work such as planting native landscapes, restoring habitats, improving waterways, and supporting sustainable practices.

Training

Gain practical skills through tool training, plant identification, safety instruction, team building, and real-world field experience that prepares you for future careers.

Certifications

Earn valuable industry-recognized certifications such as OSHA-10, First Aid & CPR, and Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional credentials to strengthen your resume.

Green Industry Exposure

Explore career pathways in the green industry through networking, job site visits, partner trainings, and exposure to innovative environmental careers.

Sustainable Landscaping

Conservation and sustainable landscaping form the core of our organization, serving as the primary focus of the UpLift program. Participants are immersed in the construction and maintenance of various green infrastructure projects, actively contributing to environmental betterment. This hands-on work encompasses:

Stormwater Management Practices: Our crew members play a vital role in developing and maintaining stormwater management solutions, such as rain gardens and conservation landscapes. These initiatives are key in reducing the impact of stormwater runoff and enhancing environmental sustainability.

Tree Planting and Maintenance: Participants in the UpLift program engage in planting and nurturing trees, contributing not only to the aesthetic improvement of our surroundings but also to the vital enhancement of biodiversity and support of local ecosystems.

Invasive Species Identification and Management: Gaining skills in the identification and control of invasive plant species, our crew members help preserve native vegetation and protect local ecosystems from the adverse effects of invasive species.

Through these vital activities, UpLift crews make significant contributions to the creation and upkeep of sustainable landscapes, leading the way in cultivating a greener and more eco-conscious community across Howard County.

Training

Participants engage in a comprehensive training regimen designed to immerse them in the green industry, with a focus on professional development days, industry exposure, and self-evaluation mechanisms. The training includes:

Safety Training and Tool Usage: Crew members are provided with essential safety training, emphasizing the correct and safe use of landscaping tools. This not only ensures a secure work environment but also equips participants with vital practical skills.

Plant Identification and Installation: Participants become adept at identifying various plant species, focusing on understanding the role of native and invasive species within local ecosystems. This knowledge is directly applied as they learn the proper techniques for the installation of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, enhancing their hands-on experience in sustainable landscaping.

Professional Development Days: Regularly scheduled professional development days are integral to the program, offering workshops and sessions designed to enhance personal and career growth. These days are dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of the green industry and preparing participants for future employment opportunities.

Industry Exposure to Green Jobs: UpLift provides participants with valuable exposure to the green job sector. This includes interactions with professionals, site visits, and practical assignments that introduce the vast array of career paths available in environmental conservation and sustainability.

Training with our Partners: UpLift participants take part in regular training days with our partners to build skills and experience. As members of Maryland Corps Service Year Option, they also join monthly trainings with participants from across the state. In addition, participants engage in hands-on learning through unique conservation projects with the Maryland Climate Crew Network.

WhatsApp Image 2024-08-12 at 12.08.52_041e9ca1.jpg

Certification

UpLift program participants have the opportunity to acquire valuable certifications that enhance their skills and credentials in the green industry. These certifications include:

Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Associate (CBLP-A): This certification recognizes proficiency in sustainable landscaping practices, demonstrating expertise in the conservation and restoration of landscapes.
American Red Cross First Aid & CPR: Equipping participants with essential first aid and CPR skills, this certification ensures crews are prepared to address health and safety concerns in the field.
OSHA (10): The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour training provides foundational safety knowledge, promoting a secure work environment.
Forklift Certification: through our partnership with the Climate Crew Network.

Partnerships

Maryland Service Year

The UpLift program has partnered with the Department of Service and Civic Innovation to be included in the MD Corps Service Year Option. Through this partnership, UpLift participants have access to the following benefits:

Tri-weekly check-in meetings with a dedicated service success coach.
Monthly in-person training and networking events with other MD Service Year participants.
A certification from the Maryland Department of Labor.
And a $6,000 financial award upon successful completion of the program.

Climate Crew Network

Howard Ecoworks is a member of the Maryland Climate Crew Network. UpLift participants take part in joint trainings and industry exposure events with other green training programs across Maryland. Past events have included:

Overnight Leadership Retreat
Climate Crew Network Career Fair
Ropes Course and Teambuilding with Outward Bound
Forklift Certification with Baltimore Grow Home
GIS training with the Chesapeake Conservancy
And much more!

What We're Looking For

This is a workforce development program, and for many people, this is their first job. But here are some qualifications we're looking if you would like to join our team:

Industry Engagement: Show genuine interest in learning about the green industry and exploring various career paths.
Punctuality and Attendance: Attend all scheduled sessions and arrive on time, prepared, and ready to engage in all activities.
Safety Compliance: Adhere to all safety guidelines and procedures, and properly use safety equipment and tools.
Team Collaboration: Work cooperatively with team members, contributing to a supportive and effective working environment.
Professional Development: Engage in professional development days and actively participate in opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.
Commitment to Sustainability: Demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and the principles of sustainability in both training and practice.