Members of the inaugural Guam Green Growth (G3) Youth Conservation Corps pose for a group photo with leadership from the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & SG), including Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., Associate Director for Operations and Development Fran Castro, MSc., Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement Kyle Mandapat, and Program Lead Phillip Cruz, along with Government of Guam representatives and members of the UOG CIS & SG team. The new workforce development initiative provides Guam's youth with hands-on experience in sustainability, conservation, and environmental stewardship while introducing career pathways in the island's growing green economy.

Guam Green Growth Youth Conservation Corps members share thier interests and hopes for the program during the official cohort launch held at the UOG RFK Library.  Lily Bordallo, a member who attends high school at GWHS, highlighted the importance of our ocean for the people of Guam and said she wanted to really contibute to help protect our marine resources. 

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The initiative builds on G3’s expanding workforce development programs, including the G3 Conservation Corps, by creating opportunities for a younger generation of participants to get hands-on experience in sustainability, conservation, agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship.

G3 and its partners, the Guam Department of Youth Affairs (DYA) and the Office of the Governor, introduced the inaugural cohort during an event held at the UOG RFK Library. This first cohort consists of eight high school students from the Governor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, representing different high schools across Guam.

• Julius Tabunar, George Washington High School
• Andrei Destor, George Washington High School
• Lily Bordallo, George Washington High School
• Alana Kahele, Academy of Our Lady of Guam
• Maggie Guzman, George Washington High School
• Kmaryn Ruta, Okkodo High School
• Liam Charfauros, Father Dueñas Memorial School
• Dionne San Nicolas, Academy of Our Lady of Guam
  
  

Speaking at the launch, UOG Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Q. Santos-Bamba, Ph.D., encouraged participants to embrace the opportunity and invest in their future. "Together we are creating pathways for success and helping cultivate a workforce that is prepared to lead Guam into a more sustainable future."

When asked about the island resources that must be prioritized in conservation efforts, Guzman said, “One thing that I think we should start conserving is the ocean. I'm very into the water; I have a passion for it as well.”

Destor agreed, “I want to help the ocean as well. Especially the coral reefs. Because coral reefs are really important for us. For our island.”

The first G3 Youth Conservation Corps will spend the summer working alongside partner agencies and organizations while learning practical skills that can lead to future educational and career opportunities. Participants will be exposed to a wide range of sustainability-related fields, including agriculture, aquaculture, invasive species management, and renewable energy.

Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, highlighted the significance of the launch. Shelton noted that the program was designed to introduce youth to emerging career pathways in sustainability.

"Get these job skills now. Become part of that green economy and see that the future really is bright. The opportunities on our island really do exist, and you get to be a part of that…By being in the G3 Youth Conservation Corps, you're at the forefront of that.”

Representing the Office of the Governor, Acting Chief of Staff Clynt Ridgell underscored the initiative's broader impact. "Today marks more than just the beginning of the summer job program. It's an investment in Guam's future and in the young people, you people, who will help shape it."

Guam Department of Youth Affairs Director Melanie W. Brennan expressed confidence that the inaugural cohort will pave the way for future participants. "With you starting it off, I know that this will lead to even greater future opportunities."

The G3 Youth Conservation Corps represents the latest effort under G3 to build local talent pipelines while addressing sustainability challenges and opportunities through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community engagement.

The original Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps is currently in its sixth season after originally starting through support from the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, Guam NSF EPSCoR, the Mayors Council of Guam, the Guam Legislature, and the Office of the Governor.