By Blake Jackson
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced during Climate Week that the state is investing in programs designed to prepare young people for careers in the growing clean energy and environmental sectors.
Through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Environmental Justice Green Jobs for Youth Grants, 20 community-based organizations will receive a combined $5 million to provide workforce training for young New Yorkers ages 17 to 24.
The programs are focused on communities experiencing significant environmental, climate, and employment challenges.
"Here in New York we are proving that clean energy and jobs go hand-in-hand, and we are committed to making sure no community is left behind," Governor Hochul said.
“By investing in youth education and training programs in communities most impacted by pollution and climate impacts, we are positioning our future labor force to lead the way in developing sustainable energy solutions that will spur economic growth and lead us to a cleaner, healthier environment,” Hochul added.
New York reported approximately 184,000 clean energy jobs as of 2024, placing the state among the national leaders in clean energy employment. The newly funded projects will provide practical training aligned with employer needs and local workforce demand. Participants may earn industry certifications, credentials, degrees, or comparable qualifications.
Training opportunities cover a broad range of fields, including green construction, clean energy, building efficiency, green infrastructure, urban forestry, conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
In New York City and Long Island, funded projects include training in electrical systems, electric vehicle battery technology, building efficiency, urban forestry, environmental remediation, urban agriculture and waterfront resilience. Other programs will provide instruction in lead safety, horticulture, and climate justice.
The Hudson Valley will receive funding for initiatives involving green buildings, geothermal heat pump installation, green infrastructure, and urban environmental leadership. Programs in Central New York and the Finger Lakes will focus on conservation, urban agriculture, weatherization, building trades, and urban greening.
In Western New York, the Clean Air Coalition of Western New York will receive nearly $250,000 for an urban forestry program in Niagara Falls. Participants ages 18 to 24 will develop forestry skills and complete a tree-planting project while working within an environmental justice framework.
The grants are funded through New York’s Environmental Protection Fund, which supports environmental justice, farmland protection, land acquisition, water quality, and other environmental priorities.
Since 2006, the DEC Office of Environmental Justice has awarded more than $44 million for 365 projects supporting communities facing environmental challenges.
The FY27 enacted state budget includes $425 million for the Environmental Protection Fund, along with an additional $25 million through the Sustainable Future Program.
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Categories: New York, Energy, Government & Policy