Johnson Controls Sponsors Conservation Leadership Corps for 70 Milwaukee Youth

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventy Milwaukee teens, sponsored by Johnson Controls, (NYSE: JCI) are keeping busy this summer as participants of the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) summer youth employment program. Now in its fifth year, the Johnson Controls program promotes environmental stewardship, leadership, and teamwork skills through hands-on conservation projects in Milwaukee County parks. Students demonstrate their commitment to the community through erosion control and cleanup work at several sites across Milwaukee due to recent local flooding.

Johnson Controls sponsors the program in partnership with the Student Conservation Association (SCA), Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB) and the Milwaukee County Parks System.  

"We are proud of the important work and leadership the CLC has demonstrated in supporting the development of the city's youth over the last five years," said Charles A. Harvey, vice president, diversity and public affairs, Johnson Controls. "Johnson Controls is committed to environmental stewardship and these young people have advanced that commitment through rebuilding several of Milwaukee's parks after the July flooding.  Their dedication to our community is evidenced by the many improvements they have made and we are proud of their accomplishments."

Over the course of the six-week program, the students are participating in a variety of conservation projects throughout the Milwaukee area, including native planting, trail development and maintenance, invasive species removal and garden installation. Riverside and Lake Park have experienced erosion damage from the flooding, and participants have jumped in to help restore these community recreation areas.

CLC members also are receiving job readiness skills instruction through a weeklong orientation training and the third annual Johnson Controls Green Jobs Day that was held in July. The Green Jobs Day featured presentations from local dignitaries and interactive breakout sessions on energy efficiency, environmental conservation and career preparation.

New for CLC 2010 is a day dedicated to cleaning up the Menomonee Valley. All 70 students across seven crews will engage in projects in the valley followed by lunch and a museum tour hosted by the Harley Davidson Museum.

"As we head into a new era of sustainable technologies, practices and careers, Johnson Controls is equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills, experience and knowledge to help them succeed in a green-focused world," Harvey added. "This program  exemplifies  the company's values  including environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic prosperity."

CLC members apply through a competitive interview process for participation. This year, the program will employ 70 teens with support from primary funder, Johnson Controls, and other local businesses and foundations including: Faye McBeath Foundation, Gilbane Construction, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Harley-Davidson Foundation, Potowatomi Foundation, SAP America, Inc., Wheaton Franciscan Foundation and the Wisconsin Energy Foundation. Through the support of these organizations, the CLC connects young adults to their communities through nature, while preparing them for life after high school.

The CLC was established in Milwaukee in 2006, and has since been expanded domestically to include Baltimore in 2007 and Detroit in 2008. Last year, the program launched globally in countries with a concentrated Johnson Controls presence in communities in China, Mexico, England and Germany.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 130,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About SCA

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is a nationwide conservation force of college and high school volunteers who protect and restore America's parks, forests, and other public lands.  For more than 50 years, SCA's active, hands-on approach to conservation has helped to develop a new generation of conservation leaders, inspire lifelong stewardship, and save our planet. SCA is a non-profit headquartered in Charlestown, N.H. For more information, visit: www.thesca.org.

SOURCE Johnson Controls