GREEN JOBS FOR URBAN YOUTH IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

摘要

Today's youth may understand global environmental threats but their connection to their local environment and understanding their role in it is diminishing over time. Schools may teach broader environmental concepts but the value of personal experience in one's local environment is often overlooked or neglected. How can this be changed? In my opinion, and as can be seen in the many youth environmental programs, focusing on getting youth outside and touching, feeling, and seeing what's in their neighborhood awakens appreciation for and connection to the outdoors and the environment. Additionally, research suggests added benefits to connecting our youth with nature include reducing childhood obesity and increasing community pride and awareness.