G3CC - Guam Green Growth

G3CC x Yona Village Beautification

Matt Zapata — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:50:33 +0000

G3CC x Yona Village Beautification

Putting in the work to keep our island green and thriving! Big shoutout to the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps crew for rolling up their sleeves, digging deep, and planting new life along our coastlines. Every tree planted brings us one step closer to a sustainable future for Guam. Teamwork truly makes the green work!

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G3CC x Talo’fo’fo Village Beautification

Matt Zapata — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:52:38 +0000

G3CC x Talo’fo’fo Village Beautification

Brighter streets, stronger community!
The G3 Conservation Corps team took to Talo’fo’fo for a village beautification project, giving our island’s infrastructure a fresh coat of paint and some well-deserved TLC. Huge thanks to everyone working hard to keep Guam beautiful!

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UOG’s G3 graduates join green workforce as Conservation Corps marks first joint graduation

Louella Losinio — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:49:51 +0000

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.”

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G3CC x UOG Campus Clean Up

Matt Zapata — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:55:32 +0000

G3CC x UOG Campus Clean Up

Stronger than the storm. Fresh off Super Typhoon Bavi, the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps and Youth Corps hit the ground running at the UOG campus to assist with recovery efforts. From hauling fallen branches to caring for our local flora at the Center for Island Sustainability, these hardworking teams are paving the way to a swifter, greener recovery.

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G3 ConservationCorps assists with post-storm campus cleanup as UOG starts Finakpo session

Louella Losinio — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:57:28 +0000

G3 Conservation Corps assists with post-storm campus cleanup as UOG starts Finakpo session

Members of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps support the UOG FMS team in cleanup efforts at the Mangilao campus. The group supported with debris removal and disposal.

G3CC members and supervisors assisted with various projects throughout the campus including downed tree removal. The group worked with the UOG FMS team to get the campus to a safe state in wake of Super typhoon Bavi.

Members of the first Guam Green Growth (G3) Youth Conservation Corps and the 2026 cohort of the G3 Conservation Corps responded to post-typhoon recovery efforts, removing debris and clearing storm-damaged areas at the University of Guam (UOG) and partner sites after Super Typhoon Bavi passed through the Marianas.

Once the Governor of Guam issued the all-clear and UOG reopened the campus, the two conservation corps began cleanup and recovery activities in support of efforts headed by UOG Facilities Management and Services (FMS).

“Although Guam was spared a direct hit from Super Typhoon Bavi, the storm still left a path of destruction. As soon as it was safe to return, our G3 Conservation Corps members stepped up to help restore the campus and support our partners. This is what community looks like: young people serving their island, gaining hands-on experience, and helping Guam recover together,” said Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant).

According to Tomas Benavente, G3 Youth Conservation Corps program coordinator, participants began early, working on the UOG campus and at the Guahan Sustainable Culture Food Resiliency Hub in Yona.

“The corps removed fallen tree branches and other storm debris that posed safety hazards. They also added green waste to compost piles, where it will eventually be processed into compost and mulch to support the gardens and advance the program’s sustainability goals,” Benavente said.

FMS and the Corps worked to prepare the Mangilao campus which officially welcomed students of the Finakpo Session C back to class on July 8, 2026.

G3 Conservation Corps member Abcde Tapia described seeing the significant damage caused by the typhoon, including large trees that required heavier equipment to remove. Despite the destruction, she expressed hope that the community and campus will gradually recover. “Slowly but surely, I hope and see that we will recover from this.”

That same spirit of service was shared by members of the G3 Youth Conservation Corps. Alana Kahele said, “The storm was very hard on our people, so I’m really happy to be able to help and lend a hand wherever I can.”

Dionne San Nicolas, another youth corps member, added, “I feel really good, and I’m glad that I’m helping the community recover after the storm.”

G3 and UOG CIS & Sea Grant launched the first G3 Youth Conservation Corps to introduce high school students participating in the Governor’s Summer Youth Employment Program to careers in sustainability and the green economy. The initiative expands the G3 Conservation Corps workforce development program, now in its sixth season, by creating opportunities for younger participants to gain hands-on experience in sustainability, conservation, agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship.

Since joining the program last month, Maggie Guzman said the experience has been rewarding. “I’m not usually the type to spend a lot of time outside, but honestly, I think this has been a great experience.”

Throughout the program, members of the G3 Youth Conservation Corps and the G3 Conservation Corps will work alongside partner agencies and organizations, developing practical skills that can lead to future educational or career opportunities while addressing sustainability challenges through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community service.

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Corps assists with post-storm campus cleanup as UOG starts Finakpo session first appeared on Guam Green Growth.

G3CC x Biosecurity

Matt Zapata — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:05:29 +0000

G3CC x Biosecurity

From the lab to the hives and our ports of entry, the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps has been hard at work learning what it takes to defend our island’s ecosystem from invasive species and biosecurity threats.

Here’s a look at what the team got into:

First Line of Defense: Learning from the best at Guam Customs and the Detector Dog Unit about how dangerous agricultural products and biosecurity risks are intercepted at our borders.

Microscopic Precision: Diving deep into specimen identification to catch invasive threats early.

Sweet (and Safe) Sustainability: Suiting up for local apiculture! The corps got hands-on experience with honeybee hive maintenance, learning how to safely manage and protect our essential pollinators.

Biosecurity is a team effort, and equipping our local conservation leaders with these skills ensures a more resilient, sustainable future for Guam.

Huge thanks to all our partners who shared their expertise with the corps this week!

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A Closer Look: G3CC Island Beautification Tour – Tamuning

Jeremie Charfauros — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:04:56 +0000

A Closer Look: G3CC Island Beautification Tour - Tamuning

True leadership isn’t defined by the strategies we write on paper; it is proven by the work we are willing to do when our community needs us most.

Looking at these moments from our recent Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps Village Beautification, we are reminded that sustainable progress requires a profound willingness to get our hands dirty. True resilience isn’t passive. It’s an active, daily choice to show up, clear the debris, and build back stronger.

When we look at the systemic challenges facing our environments and communities today, it is easy to get lost in high-level policy and long-term targets. But as we work side-by-side moving heavy debris, sorting materials, and restoring our local spaces, a fundamental truth became clear: global goals only succeed through localized, boots-on-the-ground execution.

Sustainable development isn’t just about preserving what we have; it’s about establishing a circular, resilient mindset that can weather any storm. It’s about looking at a pile of waste and seeing a logistical challenge to be solved, or looking at a blocked pathway and seeing an opportunity for community renewal.

No titles, no egos—just a shared vision for a greener, more sustainable future, one heavy lift at a time.

Leadership is a action verb. Let’s keep moving forward.

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UOG recruiting members for the sixth season of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps

Kyle Mandapat — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:36:51 +0000

G3CC

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps is gearing up for its sixth season with applications now open at guamgreengrowth.org. Those interested in sustainability and the emerging green economy are welcomed to apply. Field work, research modules and community work are all a part of the upcoming season’s curriculum.

Members of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps will participate in a 5-month long workforce development program that will provide training and skills for the emerging green economy. Full time positions are available and require a 40 hour a week commitment. Applications are open now.

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps is a workforce development program that will feature focus areas such as agriculture, aquaculture, island beautification, circular economy, invasive species, fisheries research and more.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) are happy to announce that applications are now open for the sixth season of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC), continuing their robust workforce development plan that has graduated nearly 100 local workers who have developed skills for the emerging green economy.

The G3CC offers participants hands-on experience in conservation, sustainability, and climate-related projects that support Guam’s natural resources while building job-ready skills. Since its launch, the program has served as a pathway for residents of all backgrounds and ages to gain practical training, professional mentorship, and paid service opportunities aligned with Guam’s green economy goals.

“The G3 Conservation Corps is our flagship workforce development program preparing local workers for careers in the green economy. Its success has led to expansion into four additional companion programs,” explained Austin Shelton Ph.D., the director for UOG CIS & Sea Grant. “This Corps is a great launchpad for a new career path, a refresher, or for you to work on something you are already passionate about in sustainability. We invite all interested community members to apply today.”

Members of the Conservation Corps work on projects that may include watershed restoration, invasive species management, circular economy, food security efforts, aquaculture, agriculture, and community education. The program emphasizes leadership development, teamwork, and civic engagement, preparing participants for future careers in environmental fields.

Annania Nauta Kemp, the lead for the community engagement program has seen great results in past cohorts and looks forward to further growth for the island community.

“We have had people join straight out of high school who are now very comfortable in their career path thanks to the network and experience this program builds,” explained Kemp. “At the same time, we have retirees who are ready for their next adventure and accountants who just wanted a change of scenery come out of the program very well, too. If you feel the call to serve your community and are ready to learn and get down in the dirt with us, this can be a great way for you to shape your future.”

Now entering its sixth cohort, the program reflects growing interest and sustained momentum in Guam Green Growth’s broader mission to balance economic development with environmental protection and social well-being.

“This program really changed my perspective on sustainability and how we can make things better for our people of Guahan,” said Joseph Certeza, a G3CC Season 1 graduate who now works as a part of the program team. “This program taught me a lot, and helped me to gain not only the skills, but also the confidence to move forward in the eras of my life.”

Applications for the sixth cohort are open now and available online at GuamGreenGrowth.com. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and review eligibility requirements and program details on the website.

Selected team members will receive a bi-weekly stipend of $1300 and continuing education credits from the University of Guam through the Global Learning and Engagement program. Applicants must be 18 years or older, open to indoor and outdoor work, and able to work full-time at 40 hours a week.

To apply for the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps and to learn more about other G3 initiatives, visit GuamGreenGrowth.org.

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Graduates of UOG’s G3 Kupu Conservation Corps challenged to make a difference

Louella Losinio — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:51:55 +0000

G3CC

The 12 graduates of the Guam Green Growth Kupu Conservation Corps Season 5 pose with government and university representatives after the completion ceremony this month at Government House in Agana Heights, where they received certificates from UOG, the Governor’s Office, the Guam Legislature, and the Mayors’ Council of Guam.

Eyana Pereda, Season 5 class-elected speaker of the Guam Green Growth Kupu Conservation Corps, reflected on how hands-on experiences with waste reshaped her perspective on consumption and sustainability during the program’s completion ceremony this month at the Government House in Agana Heights.

G3CC season five graduate Nicolas Quinata is awarded his certificate of completion along with commendations from the Office of the Governor, the Guam Legislature, and representatives of the Guam Mayor’s Council. Upon completion of the six-month program, graduates also earned up to 80 continuing education units (CEUs) from UOG Global Learning and Engagement.

The fifth cohort of the Guam Green Growth Kupu Conservation Corps (G3CC) closed out their journey with a challenge: to take the lessons learned over the past six months and leave a mark, no matter what industry or path they choose next.

The Guam Green Growth initiative, which is facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), held a completion ceremony this month at the Government House in Agana Heights. For the first time, the Conservation Corps received certificates not only from UOG but also from the Governor’s Office, the Guam Legislature, and representatives from the Mayors’ Council of Guam.

“Make an impact,” Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of the UOG CIS & Sea Grant, urged the cohort to make their careers more than just jobs.

“Whether you go into specific green economy jobs or go back to some of the industries that you came from— in the business sector, in HR, in administrative work, the food and beverage industry, or in the tourism industry—whatever you choose, you now have a special set of skills that are going to transform you for the rest of your lives but also transform our island,” he said.

UOG Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Ph.D., highlighted how past graduates are already driving change across Guam.

“We have past graduates who are in government, in the private sector, who are entrepreneurs, or who have gone on to advance education,” Bamba said. “What that tells me is that they took those experiences and that knowledge and are now circulating it in those different spaces. So keep that in mind as you take your next steps forward,” she told the corps.

Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio applauded the support of the families of the members who he hoped got to share in the experience.

“I hope that as we celebrate you in front of your families, that they get a little bit more understanding of what you’ve been doing,” said Tenorio. “I think that at the end of the celebration, they’re going to take away a lot of pride knowing that their loved one is on a mission and with a purpose to make Guam better.”

Season 5 class-elected speaker Eyana Pereda shared how the program reshaped her perspective.

“It’s one thing to know about an issue and care about it … but nothing compares to being a part of [a solution to the problem] firsthand,” Pereda said. She recalled her G3CC experience assisting in sorting of waste—she said this is where the constant influx of waste revealed “the reality of our broken system.”

The experience, she said, made her rethink how she consumes and disposes of trash daily. “What was the great thing about being a part of this corps? We were brought onto this team to work towards a better Guahan,” Pereda said.

G3 Kupu Conservation Corps Season 5 Graduates:

Christian Arriola
Curtis Robert Bukikosa
Joshua Cepeda
Marrae Cruz
Mi’yah Max
Eyana Pereda
Matthew Pangelinan
Nicolas Quinata
John Reynold
Gideon Tyquiengco
Carl Del Rosario
Tristan Ruway

Kyle Mandapat, MBA, associate director for communications and community engagement at UOG CIS & Sea Grant, emphasized the program’s growing momentum.

“This program has been going for five seasons strong thanks to the support of our legislature, the governor’s office, and UOG leadership,” Mandapat said. “Today, about 85 percent of our graduates have moved into green economy jobs or have returned to higher education.”

According to Mandapat, G3 hopes to launch recruitment for the sixth season this December. Mandapat credited the hard work of the UOG CIS & Sea Grant Community Engagement Team, led by Annania Nauta-Kemp, and the amazing line of community partners and host sites with the continued success of the program.

Upon completion, participants received a stipend and the opportunity to earn up to 80 continuing education units (CEUs) from UOG Global Learning and Engagement. They also gained hands-on experience with a wide range of environmental organizations and initiatives across Guam and the broader Micronesia region.

More information about the work of season five and the upcoming sixth season can be found online at guamgreengrowth.org.

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UOG’s Guam Green Growth and Yoña mayor’s office team up for cliff side tree planting project

Kyle Mandapat — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:40:07 +0000

G3CC

Austin Shelton Ph.D. and Mayor BJ Terlaje work together to plant a plumeria along the cliff side of Yoña. This special tree planting project was a part of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps’ island beautification program. Every week, the Corps hosts a beautification project in a different village including cleanups, restorations, paintings and more.

Members of the Guam Green Growth GROW Corps and Conservation Corps along with community volunteers and staff members of the Yoña Mayor’s Office prepared holes and planted over 30 plumeria trees along the cliff side. The plumeria trees will sprout fragrant flowers that are favorites for arrangements and leis.

In the spirit of community collaboration, the University of Guam’s (UOG) Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative and the Yoña mayor’s office planted 34 plumeria trees along the Yona cliff line as part of ongoing island beautification efforts.

Members of the G3 Conservation Corps, the G3 GROW Corps, community volunteers along with Mayor BJ Terlaje and his team, aimed to enhance the natural beauty of the area with the planting.

“I’ve always dreamed of Yona being the gateway to the South, where you’ll see all these plumeria trees blossoming,” Terlaje explained to volunteers. “What you’re doing is a positive thing. We’re opening up the eyes and ears of our community that has been stagnant for a very, very long time.”

Participants carefully selected and planted each of the plumeria trees, a species known for its fragrant blossoms and resilience, which are well-suited for Guam’s climate.

Austin Shelton Ph.D., the co-chair of the G3 steering committee and the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant reflected on the lasting impression and impact the planting will have for the community.

“A sustainable future is a beautiful future. We’re grateful to the hardworking volunteers who planted these trees as a stunning and fragrant legacy for our community and visitors to enjoy,” said Shelton.

The newly planted plumeria are expected to grow and flourish, providing a lasting, fragrant landscape.

Over the course of the G3 Conservation Corps’ six-month program, they will have hosted island beautification events in every village on Guam. Successful events have included roadside and beachside trash cleanups, illegal dumpsite restoration, bus stop and facility paintings, tree plantings and more.

More information on the Corps and other G3 implementation projects can be found on www.guamgreengrowth.org and via @guamgreengrowth on social media.

The post UOG’s Guam Green Growth and Yoña mayor’s office team up for cliff side tree planting project first appeared on Guam Green Growth.

G3CC - Guam Green Growth

G3CC x Yona Village Beautification

G3CC x Yona Village Beautification

G3CC x Talo’fo’fo Village Beautification

G3CC x Talo’fo’fo Village Beautification

UOG’s G3 graduates join green workforce as Conservation Corps marks first joint graduation

UOG’s G3 graduates join green workforce as Conservation Corps marks first joint graduation

G3CC x UOG Campus Clean Up

G3CC x UOG Campus Clean Up

G3 ConservationCorps assists with post-storm campus cleanup as UOG starts Finakpo session

G3 Conservation Corps assists with post-storm campus cleanup as UOG starts Finakpo session

G3CC x Biosecurity​

G3CC x Biosecurity

A Closer Look: G3CC Island Beautification Tour – Tamuning

A Closer Look: G3CC Island Beautification Tour - Tamuning

UOG recruiting members for the sixth season of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps

G3CC

Graduates of UOG’s G3 Kupu Conservation Corps challenged to make a difference

G3CC

UOG’s Guam Green Growth and Yoña mayor’s office team up for cliff side tree planting project

G3CC

G3CC x Biosecurity