UOG’s G3 graduates join green workforce as Conservation Corps marks first joint graduation
Over 130 Guam residents have graduated from the Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps in hopes of pursuing green careers or continuing their education in sustainability-related fields, underscoring the program’s impact in developing Guam’s sustainability workforce.
The G3 Conservation Corps is a program of the University of Guam’s Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant that prepares participants for careers in the green economy through hands-on training, mentorship, and paid service opportunities.
The milestone was highlighted by UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., during the joint graduation of the sixth G3 Conservation Corps cohort and the inaugural G3 Youth Conservation Corps—the first youth conservation corps of its kind on Guam.
The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of both cohorts while recognizing the continued expansion of Guam’s green workforce development efforts. The G3 Conservation Corps, now in its sixth season, provides participants with paid, hands-on experience in conservation, sustainability, and climate-related projects that support Guam’s natural resources while preparing them for careers in the green economy.
Members of the Conservation Corps work on projects that include watershed restoration, invasive species management, circular economy initiatives, food security, aquaculture, agriculture, and community education. The program stresses leadership, teamwork, and community engagement while equipping participants with practical, job-ready skills.
UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, encouraged the joint graduates to apply the lessons they learned through the program into their careers and communities, reminding them of their responsibility as future environmental leaders. “You serve as the ethical conscience in every space you walk into. Be bold. Make sure that everything that you’ve learned is put into practice… continue to promote as conservation warrior ambassadors.”
During the ceremony, Shelton reflected on the program’s impact, “So now, over six years, in season six of this Conservation Corps, we have over 130 graduates from all of our different programs, and a great percentage of them are now in some type of green job or they went back to school to get further training in the green economy field,” Shelton said. He noted that the conservation corps workforce training helps position Guam to benefit from the rapidly expanding global green economy.
The graduation also added a new milestone with the completion of the inaugural G3 Youth Conservation Corps, the program launched by G3 and the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant in partnership with the Guam Department of Youth Affairs (DYA) and the Office of the Governor.
The youth corps introduced eight high school students participating in the Governor’s Summer Youth Employment Program to careers in sustainability, expanding G3’s workforce development efforts by creating an early pathway for Guam’s next generation of environmental leaders.
Graduates of the sixth G3 Conservation Corps were Abcde Tapia, Aubrey Kneppler, Richard Ragadio, Audrey Taylor, Boyka Mark, Robert Quintanilla, Isaiah Madlutk, Anthony Jack Meyers, Leah Tabunar, and Allen Kakas.
Taylor delivered remarks on behalf of the sixth G3 Conservation Corps cohort: “Beyond developing career skills, we deepened our understanding of Guam, strengthened our appreciation for our natural and cultural resources, and learned from one another in ways that will stay with us long after today.”
Members of the inaugural G3 Youth Conservation Corps included Julius Tabunar, Andrei Destor, Lily Bordallo, Alana Kahele, Maggie Guzman, Kmaryn Ruta, Liam Charfauros, and Dionne San Nicolas.
Ruta said, “This experience has allowed me to learn valuable skills, grow both personally and professionally, and contribute to meaningful projects…Being involved in the program has helped me develop a strong work ethic, build confidence, and gain a better understanding of teamwork and responsibility.”