This week marks the end of the eight week summer session for Well KEPT (Kids in Environmental Project Training), an environmental awareness program funded by the City of Bellevue.

The program was founded in 1987 with two primary goals, to teach teens about the management of Bellevue’s natural areas and give employment opportunities to kids without any job training or experience.

“This program is hitting at a level where we don’t really have any other programs in the city that are like this, this is completely unique,” Christina Brown, the Environmental Programs Coordinator for the City of Bellevue, said. “Offering a job to a teenager without any previous experience doesn’t really exist.”

According to Brown, the program consists of 30-hour work weeks during which teens work on conservation projects. The kids also spend roughly one hour a week in training sessions that consist of either ecology or job-skills training.

During this past summer session, the kids have worked on numerous projects including blazing an entirely new trail in Woodridge and working to remove policeman’s helmet, a noxious weed, from King County waterways.

“We want to build future leaders for environmental issues in Bellevue,” said Brown. “Our goal, ultimately, is that they come back and work in the city in some capacity with an environmental background and passion.”

This year the program interviewed close to 37 applicants before hiring two teams of 10 trainees.

“The program has given me the opportunity to learn more about the environment and how to conserve it for future generations,” said Alvin Mumelo, a Well KEPT participant.