THE GREEN TEAM'S EDUCATION TASK FORCE – Helps individuals, community organizations, industry leaders and academic institutions to gain knowledge, build public awareness, inspire outreach action and provide a unique skilled sustainable work force.

The Education Task Force works on several levels to educate the public as a whole on issues related to responsible growth, conservation and sustainability.

•     Technical Sector – Sustainable Job Training and Education: We will foster dynamic partnerships between institutions of higher learning and work placement programs to offer a sound education in relation to current cutting-edge green technologies such as solar power, wind power, alternative fuels, as well as conservation landscaping classes and other sustainable skilled workforce opportunities.

•     Community Outreach: We will work on a grassroots community level by partnering with families, organizations, businesses, community groups and schools to provide educational presentations - workshops, lectures, assemblies, public discussions and volunteer opportunities. This community outreach program will teach people how to go green in all facets of their life – home to garden, to schools. It will support healthier lifestyle practices in general, as well as teach basic principles of conscious consumerism and outreach action.

•     Research: It is important to provide reliable resources of up-to-date information around the green movement in both the education, and technical growth development sectors maintaining high standards for the community.

West Valley Occupational Center – NEWS

Beginning February 9, 2009 the West Valley Occupational Center (WVOC) is launching a Photovoltaic Solar Panel Introduction Class. This is a 100-hour program that runs Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Introduction Class)

This class also runs Tuesday & Thursday from 6:15 p.m.-9:30 p.m. This class is to be expanded in the future to cover Wind Turbine Technology, Bio-Fuels, and alternate forms of energy. In the Fall of 2009, there are plans to offer the Advance 300 course that leads to a State Certification in Solar Panel Installation. Eventually, the West Valley Occupational Center plans on offering the NABEP Test here on Campus. This test is what a contractor will take to receive a license in Solar Panel Installation.

For summer 2009, a new Hybrid Technology Class in the Automotive Program will be offered.  The WVOC is working with the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley and a company that is producing Hydrogen Conversion Kits, (used to separate water through electrolysis to create gas to increase mileage). There is also a program teaching the technology on the installation of new electric kits that turn the Toyota Prius into a fully electric vehicle.

Additional educational news includes a program with Canoga Park High School, helping them with elevation drawings, landscaping, Solar Panel Installation, Wind Turbine Installation, and Water Garden Installation through our Landscaping and Cad Design Classes.

There are also plans to work in conjunction with Pierce College to create an Articulation Agreement on Green Technology.