$2 million grant provided by the U.S. Department of Labor to connect young people to new career opportunities

Ashburn, Va. (February 21, 2024) — The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and The Toro Company are proud to partner on a new initiative dedicated to workforce development and promoting career pathways for youth. Funding for this three-year program is provided by the United States Department of Labor through the Workforce Pathways for Youth program.

Through this grant, NRPA and The Toro Company will develop a Workforce Development Framework for local park and recreation agencies, launch a virtual learning series focused on career pathways and building essential workforce skills, and help 2,200 individuals engage in workforce development experiences.

“Thousands of park and recreation agencies across the country offer a workforce development and/or career exploration program targeted to youth and young adults entering the labor force for the first time,” said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. “By partnering with The Toro Company, we can help young people discover new passions and interests, build essential workforce skills and strengthen the park and recreation industry pipeline.”

“The Toro Company is excited to partner with NRPA to create positive workforce development opportunities for young people across the country,” said Viane Hoefs, Director of Talent Acquisition at The Toro Company. “Building critical workforce skills and connecting young people to new career opportunities will help strengthen the park and recreation industry pipeline and workforce, ensuring that parks and recreation continues its essential role in creating inclusive, thriving and resilient communities in the United States."

The workforce development system encompasses many interrelated programs, efforts and partners, including academic partners, local employers, workforce development boards, community-based organizations and local governments. Workforce development benefits current and future employers and provides opportunities for young people — including educational and vocational attainment, interest building in careers and industries, and essential and tactical skill development — as well as removes barriers to employment.

The U.S. Department of Labor awarded this grant through the Workforce Pathways for Youth program. This program intends to support grant recipients’ efforts to supply workforce readiness programming for historically underserved youth from ages 14 to 21 in 21 states and American Samoa. Organizations will deliver job training and develop summer and year-round workforce pathway opportunities for youth and include strategies, such as soft skills development, career exploration, job readiness and industry-based certifications. These strategies may also include proven earn-and-learn models of pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships.

NRPA's Workforce Pathways for Youth initiative is funded by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This funding provides 100% of the support for the Workforce Pathways for Youth initiative.

About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, underground utility construction, rental and specialty construction, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With net sales of $4.55 billion in fiscal 2023, The Toro Company’s global presence extends to more than 125 countries through a portfolio of brands that includes Toro, Ditch Witch, Exmark, Spartan Mowers, BOSS Snowplow, Ventrac, American Augers, Trencor, Pope, Subsite Electronics, HammerHead, Radius HDD, Perrot, Hayter, Unique Lighting Systems, Irritrol, and Lawn-Boy. Through constant innovation and caring relationships built on trust and integrity, The Toro Company and its brands have built a legacy of excellence by helping customers work on golf courses, sports fields, construction sites, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties and agricultural operations. For more information, visit www.thetorocompany.com.

About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.