SLA’s Lynwood Greening Initiative Chosen by CAL FIRE for 2024 Inflation Reduction Act Funding
We are beyond excited to announce that SLA’s Lynwood Greening Initiative has been chosen as one of only 22 projects funded through the 2024 Inflation Reduction Act by CAL FIRE. Out of a highly competitive pool of 125 applications, SLA’s project stood out, earning us the incredible opportunity to continue expanding our school greening efforts in Lynwood. This is a milestone not just for our organization, but for the entire Lynwood community as we work together to create healthier, more sustainable environments for future generations.
A Transformative Achievement for Lynwood
Through this funding, we are now set to green 8 additional schools in Lynwood, adding to the 2 schools that were already part of our initiative. In total, 10 schools will benefit from green spaces, trees, and an enhanced learning environment for students and staff. This expansion underlines the massive potential of the Lynwood Greening Initiative, a project that we launched just 5 months ago with the goal of transforming schoolyards and uplifting communities.
The initiative focuses on planting trees and creating green spaces that will not only beautify the schools but also serve as powerful tools for addressing environmental challenges such as urban heat islands, air quality issues, and the mental well-being of students and staff. It’s a critical step toward enriching Lynwood’s urban landscape, one tree at a time.
Why This Matters
Being selected for the 2024 Inflation Reduction Act funding by CAL FIRE is not only a validation of our vision and mission but also a transformative opportunity for both the Lynwood community and SLA’s broader initiatives. This selection highlights the importance of urban greening in underserved communities, and demonstrates CAL FIRE’s commitment to supporting projects that foster environmental resilience and community well-being.
In Lynwood, like many urban areas, communities face significant challenges related to climate change, the lack of tree canopy, and limited access to green spaces. By addressing these issues directly, we’re not only improving the environment but also expanding the reach of our pre-apprenticeship program, which is critical to our mission of empowering individuals facing barriers to employment.
Through this funding, our pre-apprenticeship program will gain new momentum as it supports the implementation of these green spaces at 10 Lynwood school sites. This means more hands-on training opportunities for participants, many of whom are individuals with barriers to employment. The scope of work under the Lynwood Greening Initiative allows us to directly incorporate urban forestry, landscaping, and irrigation installation into our program, providing participants with essential skills in tree planting, landscape maintenance, and sustainable environmental design.
The ability to green 8 additional schools in Lynwood will enable us to:
Increase tree coverage at school sites, creating cooling areas to combat the urban heat island effect. Participants in our pre-apprenticeship program will gain practical skills in urban forestry, learning the intricacies of tree care, irrigation systems, and sustainable landscaping, which are in high demand across industries.
Improve air quality for students and residents by training our participants in strategic tree planting techniques that capture pollutants and reduce dust. This hands-on experience builds technical knowledge for participants, boosting their employability in sectors such as environmental restoration and urban forestry management.
Create outdoor classrooms and natural environments that benefit the mental health of students and raise environmental awareness. Our participants, many of whom have faced personal and systemic challenges, will directly contribute to creating these transformative spaces, gaining a sense of ownership and pride in their work while honing skills that will help them secure long-term employment.
Engage the community through school design events, where our pre-apprenticeship participants will interact with local residents, families, and community leaders. This type of engagement not only broadens their professional network but also enhances their soft skills in communication, project management, and community collaboration.
Expanding our pre-apprenticeship program through these projects allows us to grow our impact. By providing green jobs training and certification pathways, we are preparing our participants for meaningful careers in landscaping, urban forestry, and environmental stewardship. The increased scale of the Lynwood Greening Initiative also means more participants can be trained each year, opening up more opportunities for those facing employment barriers, including youth, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Ultimately, this initiative is more than just about transforming Lynwood’s schoolyards—it's about creating long-term career pathways for those in our program, addressing the dual needs of community uplift and workforce development. We are proud that our work is simultaneously fostering environmental justice and economic empowerment, building greener futures for both our participants and the broader Lynwood community.
By leveraging the 2024 Inflation Reduction Act funding, we are expanding both our reach and our mission, providing essential workforce training while also creating sustainable, healthy environments that serve generations to come.
What’s Next for SLA and Lynwood
As we move forward with this funding, our focus will be on delivering impactful results through the next phase of the Lynwood Greening Initiative. The 8 new schools will receive comprehensive greening solutions that include tree planting, irrigation systems, and outdoor learning spaces that align with both sustainability goals and the needs of the school communities.
Our team is already hard at work designing these green spaces to ensure they are environmentally sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and functionally beneficial for students and staff alike.
In addition to the physical greening of school campuses, we will also incorporate educational components, helping students and staff learn about the importance of environmental stewardship, tree care, and sustainability.
A Collective Effort: Thank You to CAL FIRE and the Lynwood Community
None of this would be possible without the generous support and belief in our mission by CAL FIRE. Their decision to choose SLA’s Lynwood Greening Initiative out of so many applications is a testament to the impact that this project will have on the Lynwood community and the environment at large.
We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Lynwood Unified School District, the City of Lynwood, and all the community members who have supported our work from the very beginning. This initiative is not just about planting trees; it’s about creating lasting change, strengthening our community, and ensuring a greener future for the students of Lynwood.
Get Involved!
As we embark on this exciting new phase, we invite community members, volunteers, and local partners to join us in making this vision a reality. Whether through participating in tree-planting events, helping with educational sessions, or supporting the project through donations, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
Together, we can create a greener, healthier Lynwood for everyone!
About SLA:
SLA is a Social Enterprise dedicated to empowering individuals with barriers to employment, greening urban environments, and enriching communities through sustainable landscape practices. Our mission is to create green spaces that promote environmental justice, improve public health, and provide opportunities for underserved communities. Through initiatives like the Lynwood Greening Initiative, we are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future.
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