AgTech Learning & Achievements

NY Sun Works Receives $100,000 EPA Grant

NY Sun Works hosted its 13th Annual Discovering Sustainability Science Youth Conference at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan

Key Takeaways:

  1. NY Sun Works awarded a $100,000 grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  2. The grant will fund climate and urban agriculture education programs in eight New York City schools.
  3. The initiative aims to enhance climate literacy and sustainable agriculture knowledge among students and teachers.
  4. The program will provide hands-on urban farming experiences and access to fresh produce for students and families.
  5. The grant addresses the urgent need for climate education amidst increasing climate challenges.

NY Sun Works, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting climate education through urban agriculture, has been awarded a $100,000 grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This prestigious grant places NY Sun Works among only three organizations in New York and New Jersey selected for this honor. The funding will support the implementation of climate education programs in eight partner schools across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.

EPA’s Investment in Climate Education

In her statement, Manuela Zamora, Executive Director of NY Sun Works, expressed gratitude to the EPA for their commitment to climate education. “I thank and applaud the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for making a $100,000 investment in students who are living in heavily climate-burdened communities of New York City. This grant will allow NY Sun Works to deliver our urban agriculture and climate education program to 8 partner schools — four in Brooklyn, two in Queens, and two in Manhattan.”

The selected schools include:

  • M048 Michael Buczek Elementary School, Hudson Heights, Manhattan
  • PS 20 Anna Silver School, Lower Manhattan
  • Q171 Peter Van Alst Elementary School, Astoria, Queens
  • Q010 Horace Greeley Middle School, Sunnyside, Queens
  • K190 Sheffield Elementary School, Brownsville/East New York, Brooklyn
  • K219 Kennedy-King Elementary School, Brownsville, Brooklyn
  • K312 Bergen Beach Elementary School, Bergen Beach, Brooklyn
  • K938 School, Cypress Hills, Brooklyn

Enhancing Climate Literacy and Urban Agriculture

The EPA grant will facilitate NY Sun Works’ mission to build students’ proficiency in inquiry-based climate and sustainability science. The program aims to enhance students’ understanding of urban agriculture’s role in sustainable communities and expand teachers’ knowledge of climate and environmental science. Zamora emphasized the importance of this grant, stating, “This significant commitment will support the hands-on urban farming experience and teaching of sustainability science and climate education for NYC youth while also expanding access to fresh, healthy produce for students and their families.”

The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1,600 students, enabling them to grow vegetables and herbs from seed to harvest year-round within their classrooms. This hands-on approach not only improves learning outcomes but also enriches students’ academic careers by providing practical applications of their studies.

Addressing the Climate Crisis

The timing of the grant is particularly relevant given the severe heat wave currently affecting New York City. Zamora highlighted the urgent need for climate education, noting, “The severe heat wave happening in New York City today only underscores the fact that climate change is the most existential crisis of our lifetime. Students, teachers, and educators are hungry for more sustainability science curriculum in their schools – and NY Sun Works is the only organization in New York bringing both state-of-the-art hydroponic systems and comprehensive sustainability science curriculum into the public school classroom at scale.”

NY Sun Works’ program has a proven track record of increasing climate and environmental literacy among both teachers and students. With the support of the EPA, the organization is poised to empower a new generation of “Farmer-Scientists” dedicated to building more sustainable communities.

Expanding Access to Fresh Produce

Beyond education, the program also aims to address food security by providing access to fresh, healthy produce. By integrating urban farming into the school curriculum, NY Sun Works ensures that students and their families can enjoy the benefits of locally grown food, furthering the organization’s commitment to sustainability and community well-being.


NY Sun Works Latest News

NY Sun Works Hosts 13th Annual Discovering Sustainability Science Youth Conference (2024/05/24)

NY Sun Works celebrated its 13th Annual Discovering Sustainability Science Youth Conference at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, bringing together 1,000 young people and educators. The event showcased the nonprofit’s commitment to climate education through hydroponic farming technology in New York City’s public schools. The day-long conference featured student presentations on their hydroponic farm lab experiments and findings, reflecting the hands-on learning experiences facilitated by NY Sun Works’ Hydroponic Classrooms. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a Career and College Networking event, fostering engagement and learning about sustainability and climate science.

Several prominent figures addressed the attendees, emphasizing the significance of youth involvement in sustainability. Notable speakers included NY Sun Works Executive Director Manuela Zamora, Javits Center CEO Alan Steel, and Assistant Commissioner of NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Damali Wynter. Students also received messages of support from political leaders and the event showcased Javits Center’s commitment to sustainability with its 7-acre green roof, featuring a farm, orchard, and beehives.

Sponsors such as Con Edison, Bear Maple, New York Power Authority (NYPA), Clean Path NY, CVC Capital Partners, and EY supported the event. NY Sun Works aims to deliver inquiry-based K-12 science and sustainability education through urban farming, support high-quality science programs in schools, and expand access to fresh produce for students and their families.

Richmond Hill High School Unveils Innovative Hydroponic Classroom (2024/04/04)

Richmond Hill High School in Queens has launched a new hydroponic farm classroom, funded by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ discretionary capital funding, to enhance its sustainability science curriculum. At the ribbon-cutting event, NY Sun Works Executive Director Manuela Zamora and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. highlighted the educational and community benefits of the hydroponic lab, which integrates science with sustainability and agriculture. Council Member Lynn Schulman emphasized the importance of such initiatives in preparing students for future challenges. Principal Tarek Alamarie and Assistant Principal Danixa Rivera praised the collaborative efforts that brought the project to fruition. This initiative is part of a broader program to incorporate hydroponic farming and sustainability education across New York City schools, addressing climate change, food insecurity, and sustainable urban living.

PS 147 Commemorates 10 Years (2024/03/15)

PS 147 in Brooklyn celebrated the 10th anniversary of its hydroponic farming program with a newly renovated classroom. The program empowers students to explore STEM fields and find solutions to climate challenges. With over 146 partner schools in Brooklyn alone, NY Sun Works continues to expand its influence with plans to install 26 labs in new partner schools this school year. The hydroponic farm classrooms offer a model for sustainable learning and increase access to fresh produce for students and their families.

NY Sun Works Launches New Hydroponic Farm Classroom at PS 23 in Brooklyn (2024/01/26)

NY Sun Works has opened a hydroponic farm classroom at PS 23, The Carter G. Woodson Elementary School in Brooklyn. The lab is part of a $500,000 grant-funded project to enhance STEAM education in public schools. NY Sun Works aims to provide hydroponics technology for young learners and encourage STEM engagement. PS 23 is among 12 public schools in Brooklyn that have implemented hydroponic farming classrooms. NY Sun Works partners with 146 schools in Brooklyn and plans to install 26 more labs this school year. Hydroponic farming is at the heart of NY Sun Works’ approach, providing an immersive learning experience for students in urban farming and sustainability.

Launches Advanced Urban Farm Classroom in Queens (2023/11/03)

NY Sun Works has unveiled a new greenhouse and hydroponic farm classroom at Village Academy in Far Rockaway, Queens. The facility features aquaponic and hydroponic technologies to enhance the school’s sustainability science curriculum. The initiative aims to empower students with quality climate education and provide access to fresh food. Village Academy joins 66 funded partner schools in Queens, reflecting a commitment to expanding climate education and addressing food insecurity. The program includes professional development for educators and support from hydroponic specialists.

NY Sun Works Awarded Climate Grant from CIV:LAB to Expand (2023/11/01)

NY Sun Works, a non-profit organization focused on climate education and sustainability, announced that it has received its first climate grant from CIV:LAB. The grant aims to support the organization’s existing climate education and sustainability programs in partner schools across New York City’s boroughs. It will also facilitate the expansion of NY Sun Works’ urban agriculture workforce development program at two high schools.

NY Sun Works Advocates for Climate Education and Urban Agriculture in NYC Schools (2023/09/19)

On the opening day of Climate Week NYC, Manuela Zamora, the Executive Director of NY Sun Works, issued a statement highlighting the critical role of climate education and urban agriculture in public schools. The statement comes as environmentalists, educators, and leaders worldwide gather in New York City to discuss solutions to the climate crisis.

New Leadership and Specialists at New York Sun Works (2023/08/23)

New York Sun Works has made two significant announcements that underscore its commitment to fostering curiosity, knowledge, and community involvement. The nonprofit organization, renowned for its innovative hydroponic farming labs in schools, appointed Liz McKoy as the Education Director and welcomed a team of 11 hydroponic specialists. This strategic expansion signifies the organization’s continued dedication to enhancing science education and sustainable practices for the next generation.

Image provided by New York Sun Works

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