Celebrating Our GSI Cohort 3: Growing Skills, Growing Community

Last night, we celebrated something truly special — the graduation of our Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Cohort 3! What began as eight weeks of classroom learning and hands-on fieldwork culminated in a room full of pride, joy, and excitement for what’s ahead.

Our Scholars showed up every week ready to learn, collaborate, and push themselves. They mastered new skills, explored real-world applications of GSI, and built the confidence needed to step into a growing, high-impact field. From identifying native plants to practicing stormwater site maintenance and restoration techniques, each Scholar demonstrated a deep commitment to creating healthier, greener neighborhoods.

But beyond the technical training, this cohort formed a supportive community. They encouraged one another, celebrated wins big and small, and embodied what it means to grow not just as professionals, but as people. Their resilience, curiosity, and teamwork were on full display — and we couldn’t be prouder.

As we looked around the room last night, it was clear: these Scholars are ready. Ready to take the next step in their careers. Ready to contribute to the environmental workforce. Ready to shape the future of sustainable infrastructure in our region.

To our GSI Cohort 3 graduates — congratulations! Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we are honored to be part of your journey. We can’t wait to see where your skills, passion, and leadership take you next.

And to our partners, instructors, and supporters: thank you for helping us create a program that continues to open doors and create opportunity.

City of Tacoma

Communities for a Healthy Bay

Markee Ecological Design

Pierce Conservation District

SiteWorkshop

Stone Soup Gardens

Tacoma Tree Foundation

The Nature Conservancy

Here’s to Cohort 3 — rooted in legacy, growing a greener future.