At our Annual Networking Event on May 11th in Denver, attendees got to hear directly from Groundwork Denver’s GRIT program — a workforce development initiative connecting people to careers in the green sector. One story that stood out: Mikennah Schwing, a recent Western Washington University environmental science grad who moved to Denver with no job lined up, discovered GRIT, and turned it into a launchpad for a career in water quality.
Finding GRIT at the Right Moment
After graduating and relocating to Denver somewhat spontaneously, Mikennah found a posting for GRIT, a program offering certifications like OSHA-10 and HAZWOPER-40, hands-on fieldwork, and up to a year of job search support.
“This seemed like the perfect opportunity for someone new to the area wanting to enter the green sector with little to no experience,” she said.
Hands-On Learning, Real Community Impact
GRIT paired classroom instruction with fieldwork across topics like water conservation, urban forestry, and policy. Participants installed rain gardens, worked in community composting programs, and learned tree care, all while partnering directly with local nonprofits and community members.
“One of the most important aspects of GRIT is definitely the opportunity to network,” Mikennah said. “I learned to really put myself out there & connect with people to learn more about what they do, how they got there, & how people starting out in this field can get involved.”
It was through this hands-on work that brownfields redevelopment clicked into focus for Mikennah.
“Environment & community are not two separate topics but are instead very much intertwined; one cannot change without impacting the other,” she stated.
From Training to Job Offer
Each week of coursework was paired with real job applications, tailored resumes, and interview practice. That preparation paid off — Mikennah landed a job offer at Denver Water before even finishing the program. Today, she works as a Water Quality Technician, helping deliver safe drinking water to the Denver metro area through disinfection, sampling, and system monitoring.
“I genuinely believe that the GRIT program helped me achieve my goal of getting a job in my field so quickly,” she said.
Why It Matters
GRIT welcomes people at every stage — career changers, recent grads, and those with environmental degrees looking for their first foothold.
“GRIT is a program that can open doors for anyone,” Mikennah said.
Interested in learning more about GRIT or connecting with future cohorts? Reach out to Groundwork Directly or visit their website:
Groundwork Denver – Community action. Environmental results.