Exciting News: SLA Receives Cal Fire Grant to Launch Lynwood School Greening Initiative

We are thrilled to announce that SLA, in partnership with the Lynwood Unified School District and the City of Lynwood, has been awarded a grant from Cal Fire to fund the first two projects of our Lynwood School Greening initiative. This grant will enable us to transform Lindbergh Child Care Center and Will Rogers Childcare Center into vibrant green spaces, benefiting both the children and the wider community.

Our Vision: Greening for a Sustainable Future

The Lynwood School Greening initiative aims to create lush, sustainable environments at local schools, promoting environmental education and community engagement. These projects will serve as living classrooms where children can learn about nature, sustainability, and the importance of green spaces in urban settings.

The Projects: Transforming Lindbergh and Will Rogers

Lindbergh Child Care Center

At Lindbergh Child Care Center, our greening project will focus on:

  • Community Engagement: Involving parents, teachers, and local residents in the planning and implementation process.

  • Environmental Education: Introducing children to the basics of gardening, the benefits of plants, and the role of green spaces in urban environments.

  • On-the-Job Training: Providing hands-on experience for our pre-apprenticeship participants, equipping them with valuable skills in landscaping and horticulture.

  • Greening Initiatives: Planting trees, shrubs, and creating garden areas to enhance the beauty and ecological value of the school grounds.

Will Rogers Childcare Center

The Will Rogers Childcare Center project will mirror our efforts at Lindbergh, focusing on:

  • Community Involvement: Ensuring the local community is actively engaged and invested in the project.

  • Educational Programs: Offering structured environmental education programs tailored for young children.

  • Skill Development: Giving our pre-apprenticeship participants the opportunity to learn and apply greening techniques.

  • Sustainable Landscaping: Implementing sustainable landscaping practices to create a thriving green space.

Community Engagement and Education

A cornerstone of our initiative is community engagement. We believe that by involving the local community in these projects, we can foster a sense of ownership and pride. Parents, teachers, and residents will have the opportunity to contribute ideas, participate in planting days, and help maintain these green spaces.

Environmental education is another key component. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, children will learn about the natural world and the importance of sustainability. This early exposure to environmental stewardship will inspire the next generation of eco-conscious citizens.

Training and Employment Opportunities

The grant from Cal Fire also supports our pre-apprenticeship program, which provides on-the-job training for individuals interested in careers in landscaping and horticulture. Participants will gain practical experience working on the greening projects, learning valuable skills that will enhance their employability.

A Collaborative Effort

Securing this grant was a team effort. SLA led the application process, with significant support from the Lynwood Unified School District and the City of Lynwood. This collaboration underscores the community's commitment to creating a greener, healthier environment for our children and residents.

Looking Forward

We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to the positive impact these projects will have on our community. As we begin transforming Lindbergh Child Care Center and Will Rogers Childcare Center, we invite you to join us in making Lynwood a greener, more sustainable place to live and learn.

Stay tuned for updates on our progress and upcoming opportunities to get involved. Together, we can create a brighter, greener future for Lynwood!

Join Us

Interested in participating in the Lynwood School Greening initiative? Contact us to learn more about volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and how you can contribute to this exciting project.

Thank you to Cal Fire, the Lynwood Unified School District, and the City of Lynwood for their support. Let's green Lynwood together!

By sharing this announcement, we hope to rally the community around our greening projects and inspire a collective effort towards sustainability. Together, we can transform our schools and our city into vibrant green spaces that nurture both our children and our environment.

Jessie Salazar