University of Guam wraps up first cohort of the Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps

(From Left to Right) Austin Shelton, PhD, Director of UOG Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant; Don David, Jesley Ferdinand, Johnathan Mitsur, Mc Gee Mereb, Dexter Ilek, Aira Ngalongalo, Alyshia Lehban, Toyolynn Hilton, and Kyle Mandapat, Associate Director for Communications & Community Engagement

Recent graduates of the Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps pose with their Certificate of Completion at the UOG Residence Halls.

Crops cultivated by the Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps housed at the UOG Residence Halls

Another gardening plot that has been maintained by the outgoing Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps

Members of the first cohort of the Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps (G3LINCC) recently celebrated the completion of their term at the University of Guam.

The group which consisted of 10 members from islands all around Micronesia was open specifically to students living in the UOG Residence Halls.

Don David, a graduate of the UOG Class of 2024, who will now return home and begin work at the Micronesian Conservation Trust, felt the experience was beneficial for not only members, but for the community they will serve after graduation.

“I will bring all of these lessons home with me when I move back to Pohnpei,” said David. “I am grateful for these experiences. I have learned a lot from this program and I look forward to working with my government to bring these things to Pohnpei.”

Amongst the current cohort, 4 of them turned their tassels at the UOG Commencement ceremony held at the UOG Calvo Fieldhouse to signify the end of this semester and earning their respective degrees.

According to Austin Shelton, the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, this program was done in partnership with other organizations to build capacity through the rest of the region.

“Along with the Local2030 Islands Network and University of Hawaii Sea Grant, we wanted to provide opportunities for workforce development that would benefit communities throughout our region,” said Shelton. “We are proud of this cohort of motivated and inspired islanders doing their part to advance Green Growth in Micronesia.”

The next cohort of the G3LINCC will be accepting applications soon. Follow Guam Green Growth on social media or check out guamgreengrowth.org for more information and updates.