$1 Million Grant Will Help Build a ”Green Jobs” School in Philadelphia

by KYW’s Mike DeNardo

A former factory in Kensington is being transformed into an adult vocational school for “green” jobs, thanks to a big-time grant.

The nonprofit Energy Coordinating Agency is getting a grant of more than $1 million from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to retrofit the Kensington factory to train workers in weatherization and solar technology.

ECA’s executive director is Liz Robinson:

“We own a massive old factory that used to make Civil War uniforms.  And we’re retooling this wonderful building to, frankly, make a revolution in energy efficiency in neighborhoods.”

Mayor Nutter (above right) says the new building science center will train hundreds of workers this year:

“I soon expect that Philadelphia will be the nation’s capital of green jobs.”

Nutter says the first class begins training at the center in April.

(Photos by KYW’s Mike DeNardo)