Latino Life: Opportunities with the U.S. Forest Service

Young people have opportunities to explore the great outdoors and maybe make a career out of it. The United States Forest Service engages, empowers and employs diverse youth.

James Oftedal is a U.S. Forest Service Regional Program Manager. He remembers being an at risk youth in Fresno who never had the chance to venture out to nearby forests and parks.

Once he did, he was hooked. Oftedal has spent decades working with youth and connecting them with green jobs and traditional jobs. He says public lands belong to everyone and we can all enjoy and care for them. He founded the program called Generation Green.

It helps youth in underserved communities focus on environmental education and leadership skill-building. Get more information on Generation Green and other U.S. Forest Service youth programs by calling (559) 297-0706 extension 4962.

Oftedal and intern Erik Espinoza sat down with Latino Life host, Graciela Moreno to share details on these life changing opportunities. Espinoza is studying to become a bio-medical engineer.

He wants to help create artificial limbs to help people with disabilities enjoy the outdoors. His experience with Generation Green and the U.S. Forest Service has influenced his career goals.

For the rest of the Latino Life segments, click here.