The Gulfsouth Youth Biodiesel Project (GYBP) is pleased to welcome Mark Strella who will work as an intern this summer. Mark is a senior at Tulane University in New Orleans where he is a double major in political economy and environmental studies. Mark’s experience producing biodiesel dates back to his high school years, when he and his brother produced their own biodiesel to fuel their diesel trucks. “I’m excited to put my passion for local environmental solutions to work with GYBP,” Mark said. Mark will research opportunities for municipal renewable energy programs as well as participate in production and educational outreach activities.
The GYBP has been operating as an innovative youth-led social enterprise and green jobs training program to prepare low-income young adults, ages 16-24, for work in the Gulf Coast’s emerging green economy. The program focuses on the collection and recycling of used cooking oil into eco-friendly biodiesel fuel for distribution to commercial diesel fleets across the city.
With recent grants received from W.K. Kellogg, the GYBP will continue guiding participants with career coaching and exploration, tutoring, counseling and case management, mentoring, and leadership development throughout the program. At the completion of the program, participants obtain a certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), technical training in areas such as welding, construction, biodiesel, automotive, diesel engines, process technology, electrical, and biodiesel as well as CPR and First Aid training.
For more information about the GYBP, to learn about upcoming sessions, or participate with the program, click here.
To donate used cooking oil to the project, see our drop-off locations here.
The GYBP has a new Facebook Page. Like us here.