Rebuilding Puerto Rico
PathStone’s Environmental Job Training Program
The Solution: PathStone’s Role
PathStone, a nonprofit serving Puerto Rico’s economically distressed communities since 1969, stepped in to meet the need. With the support of an EPA Brownfields Job Training Grant, PathStone designed a training program to prepare local residents for safe, well-paid environmental cleanup jobs. This training covered essential skills, such as hazardous waste handling, asbestos remediation and pesticide safety.
Community-Centered Approach
PathStone works closely with local groups to understand and meet community needs. For trainees facing transportation and food insecurity, PathStone collaborates with municipalities and local organizations to provide public transport, food and other support. Training is hands-on, including simulations to build students’ confidence and practical skills for the cleanup work ahead.
Real Impact on Residents’ Lives
The program has transformed lives by helping trainees secure better-paying jobs, with some graduates moving from minimum wage to $19 an hour or more. Leslie Eunice Félix Rodríguez, a graduate trained in hazardous waste operations, welding and pesticide safety, calls her experience “spectacular.” Her certifications have opened doors, offering valuable skills in environmental work. PathStone’s training equips individuals like Leslie with tools to build lasting careers.
Juan José Morales Montañez
Kenya Ortiz Márquez
Leslie Eunice Félix Rodríguez
Laura Rodríguez
PathStone’s Results
With over $1.2 million in EPA grants and additional funding, PathStone has built a resilient workforce prepared to protect Puerto Rico. The program’s success is seen in each graduate’s progress-from minimum-wage jobs to higher-paying careers that support their families and communities.
“Despite economic and educational barriers, my peers had the courage to do what seemed to them like impossible tasks to better their lives.”
— Naysabeth Vargas Mejías, Program Graduate and Placement and Career Service Developer at PathStone
A Journey of Resilience and Impact
PathStone’s journey to support Puerto Rico’s communities shows that persistence pays off. After an initial setback in 2014, PathStone secured five EPA awards, transforming opportunities and lives across the island. Despite challenges like hurricanes, each grant fuels growth, community resilience and progress toward a sustainable future.
Text-Only Version of Timeline Graphic
Tips for Aspiring Grantees
For organizations interested in EPA Brownfields Job Training Grants, PathStone advises engaging closely with community leaders to gather insights that shape relevant, locally focused training programs. Tailor certifications and skills to the area’s specific employment needs to ensure graduates are well-prepared for job opportunities and long-term impact.
To learn more, visit our Job Training Grants page or contact the EPA Region 2 office at 212-637-3283 or email [email protected].