range of 15-22. “We’re not looking at grades or assessing any of the traditional measures,” said Pincus. “We’re looking for youth who want to learn and give back, who have good critical thinking skills and decision-making skills.” As for the homeowner, why should you schedule one of these house calls? “It’s a free service, and you’re paying into it anyway so there’s nothing to lose!” said Pincus. “And you’re providing youth with an incredible job experience.” It is just a summer program though so if you missed out this year, go online and schedule your appointment for 2016! CYES is just part of the great work being done at Rising Sun Energy Center in Berkeley. If you’d like more information or would like to get involved, visit them online at www.risingsunenergy.org. giving youth a first job experience—and a meaningful job experience—will effect their future trajectory and create the kind of citizens that we need.” From the CYES program these kids may very well continue on the environmental career path, and even if they don’t, they’re learning a ton of new skills in the process. And if going into a home for an environmental assessment and retrofit installation sounds like a lot for two young adults—it is. “It’s a ton of responsibility,” said Pincus. “I think that because it’s a lot of responsibility, and we have really high expectations, that they do an incredible job.” As for the future, “This program could be in every city throughout the State of California,” said Pincus. “We’ve developed a program model that is very expandable and very scalable, and really can serve any home throughout the country.” They set up temporary satellite offices in each of the cities they cover and the program has continued to grow every single year. It is competitive to become an employee of the CYES program, but if you or someone you know would like to become part of it, the only requirement is to live within one of their selected cities and to be within the age Tips given To residenTs aT The green house Call: 1. use cold water when doing laundry. 2. leave several inches of space around the fidge to allow air circulation. 3. use a humidifier in the winter to make your home feel warmer. 4. run the dishwasher and clothes washer with full loads. 5. unplug chargers, turn off power strips when not using them. 6. defrost fridge and freezers before ice buildup reaches 1/4 inch thickness. september 2015 MARKETPLACEcontrac osta .com 59
Contra Costa Marketplace - Sept 2015
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