Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
EcoLATINO offers free Spanish‑language landscaping and arboriculture training with up to $800 in incentives
Summary
EcoLATINO is offering two Spanish‑language trainings for Latino landscapers in the DMV, free to participants and offering incentives ($500 for environmental landscaping, $300 for arboriculture) with registration currently set to close Feb. 2 and possible short extension.
EcoLATINO, a nonprofit focused on connecting the Hispanic community to environmental employment in the Chesapeake Bay region, is offering two Spanish‑language training programs for landscapers and arborists across the DMV, the county’s Spanish‑language Council program reported.
Ruby Stemly, founder and CEO of EcoLATINO, told host Marcela Rodríguez Villagrán the organization’s environmental landscaping course provides practical, sustainable techniques and certification recognized by environmental credentialing bodies; a shorter arboriculture program teaches tree care techniques. Both trainings are free and—according to Stemly—offer monetary incentives to participants: $500 for the environmental landscaping program and $300 for the arboriculture program; participants may complete both programs for up to $800 in total incentives.
Program details and eligibility: Stemly said the programs target working landscapers and people with basic industry experience; they are delivered in Spanish and are aimed at helping Latino landscapers expand services beyond basic maintenance jobs. Training sites include a College Park location and at least one site in Montgomery County. EcoLATINO trained 34 landscapers in 2024 and says participants form a peer network that can lead to business partnerships and hiring opportunities.
Registration and contact: Stemly said the current registration window closes February 2 but that organizers may extend the deadline slightly to accommodate last‑minute registrants. Interested participants can find information on EcoLATINO’s social pages and website (referred to on air as ecolatinos.org) or contact EcoLATINO’s College Park office by phone (program gave a contact number on air).
