By KYW's Karin Phillips
The official launch was held Tuesday morning for a program that introduces urban youth to "green" jobs.
High school kids in light blue t-shirts worked to clean up the area in front of the Valley Green Inn, in Wissahickon Valley Park. They are part of the Conservation Leadership Corps, a group of 50 local high school kids working at green jobs in area parks, including removal of invasive plants, picking up litter, and gardening.
Valerie Bailey (at left in photo) is executive vice president of the Student Conservation Association:
"When they end their summer, they would have gained quite a number of things. They will have learned some real job readiness skills."
Fifteen-year-old Lemiah Tucker of West Philadelphia has been working in Valley Forge Park. She says the great outdoors is something brand new for her:
"Maybe I'll volunteer down the road and help work with animals on the outside. I like this!"
Kobi Amissah of West Philadelphia, also 15, has been working along the Bala Cynwd Trail:
"I had orginally planned on being a lawyer but this is shaping me. Yeah. It might be possible in my future."
Local Walmart representative Tony Tenaglia (at right in photo):
"This is fantastic! And with the weather that we had this weekend, and the work that they are able to do today, it's obvious that it's needed."
Walmart donated $170,000 for the program.
(Photo by KYW's Karin Phillips)