Recognizing a need to increase community capacity for planning and maintaining green infrastructure projects as well as a lack diversity in the fields of GSI design, construction and maintenance, USD, teamed up with Aster Rosa Design and Bellwether Design to establish DIRT Corps.  A white paper written by USD titled, "Duwamish Valley Green Infrastructure Job Training," outlined the need for such a program, garnering external support for the initiative.

 

Since 2015, 78 individuals have completed the training program to increase their skills and employability in expanding urban sustainability jobs.  Trainings are offered quarterly focused on green stormwater infrastructure, urban forestry and ecological restoration to continue training a new workforce for a growing industry.