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Sustainable development

New York Power Authority Launches STEM Learning Program with Community Greenhouse Lab

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has launched a new STEM learning program, which focuses on teaching cutting-edge skills in urban agriculture, sustainability-based programming, and environmental science. The program was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a community greenhouse lab in Astoria, Queens, operated by NYPA and located at a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) campus. The initiative is part of NYPA's Environmental Justice program, which provides educational resources to students from underserved communities near the Power Authority's energy assets statewide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The community greenhouse lab is a first-of-its-kind facility at a NYCHA campus and will expose youth and community members to good nutrition, access to healthy food sources, and the concept of environmental justice.
  • The lab is part of NYPA's Environmental Justice STEM program, which aims to provide educational resources to students from underserved communities and support New York State's long-standing commitment to increasing student awareness of technology and innovation.
  • The program will provide hands-on experience in urban farming, teaching students and residents about cutting-edge technology through sustainable urban farming and expose them to opportunities for careers in the emerging clean energy economy.
  • NYPA has partnered with New York Sun Works, a non-profit organization that uses hydroponic technology to educate young people about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), climate, and sustainability.
  • The lab will be operated by HANAC Cornerstone, a citywide nonprofit that provides year-round programming to young people, and will incorporate the curriculum into its afterschool programs.
  • The initiative is part of NYPA's larger commitment to be a good neighbor to historically disadvantaged communities that host NYPA's facilities and strategic projects.
  • The program will support NYCHA's commitment to exposing residents to emerging green technologies and connecting them to sustainable career pathways.
  • NYPA partnered with New York Sun Works to provide curriculum, training, and community engagement support for the program.
  • The program will offer additional classroom experiences through a series of community engagement events, including harvest celebrations, farmers market stands, donations to soup kitchens, and cooking demonstrations.

Statistics:

  • The lab will be used by 18 green classrooms and two green community laboratories developed in New York City over the past three years.
  • The average New York Sun Works hydroponic classroom produces more than 500 pounds of vegetables per school year.
  • The initiative is part of NYPA's Environmental Justice STEM program, which aims to provide educational resources to students from underserved communities and support New York State's long-standing commitment to increasing student awareness of technology and innovation.
  • The program will provide hands-on experience in urban farming, teaching students and residents about cutting-edge technology through sustainable urban farming.
  • The lab will expose youth and community members to good nutrition, access to healthy food sources, and the concept of environmental justice.

Sources:

  • The New York Power Authority (NYPA) press release, "New York Power Authority to Offer Programs That Emphasize STEM Learning and Inspire Young People and Seniors to Engage and Participate in New York's Clean Energy Economy"
  • NYCHA press release, "NYCHA and New York Power Authority Celebrate Opening of Community Greenhouse Lab at Astoria Houses"
  • HANAC Cornerstone press release, "HANAC Cornerstone to Host and Maintain Community Greenhouse Lab at Astoria Houses"

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