NYPA Press Release

The New York Power Authority (NYPA), the Eagle Academy for Young Men of Harlem and New York Sun Works today celebrated the opening of a new hydroponic classroom that will help students learn about sustainable development, environmental science and urban food production. Several 9^th grade students led a tour of the hydroponic systems, where crops grow indoors without any soil, and showed off the leafy greens and fresh herbs they helped grow from seed to harvest.

“The Eagle Academy’s new Green Classroom provides a hands-on opportunity for students from inner-city communities to access fresh produce while learning about energy and science in a fun and engaging way,” said Lisa Wansley, NYPA’s vice president of Environmental Justice. “Young people who garden with new technologies and harvest the crops they planted develop critical thinking skills and gain real world experience that can lead to new career paths and a healthier future.”

NYPA provided funding for the environmental justice initiative and partnered with New York Sun Works, a non-profit organization that uses hydroponic technology to educate students about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), climate and sustainability, and provides curriculum, weekly on-site training, mentoring for teachers and community engagement support.

The lab, which includes hydroponic systems, seeding stations, and a composting station, will be utilized by Eagle Academy’s 9^th grade earth science and living environment students.

Eagle Academy Principal Franky Simmons said, “Programs like our hydroponic farm will change the way our underserved communities think about their food choices. The change we need and desire begins with us, here and now.”

Ramsha Farooq, Eagle Academy’s living environment science teacher, said, “Having a green classroom has allowed my students to own the role of farmer scientists and embrace the challenge of creating a more sustainable future.”

The Eagle Academy is among 18 New York City schools that have converted classrooms into dedicated science labs over the past two years through the New York Power Authority Environmental Justice Green Classroom initiative in partnership with New York Sun Works. NYPA’s Environmental Justice Initiative provides educational resources to students from underrepresented communities in close proximity to NYPA’s power assets statewide.

“We are honored to work with Principal Simmons and his team at Eagle Academy in their vision to bring 21st-century science and sustainability education into the classroom,” said Manuela Zamora, executive director of New York Sun Works. “The hydroponic lab will provide students with the opportunity to grow food while learning hands-on about science and climate education as well as food justice and community service.”

The Green Classroom initiative is a partnership between NYPA and New York Sun Works that enables dedicated staff to provide curriculum, professional development and ongoing teacher training for Eagle Academy’s science department, and will help engage the community through special events. The programming focuses on science, sustainability, climate, energy, urban planning, food justice and health. The average NY Sun Works hydroponic classroom produces more than 500 pounds of vegetables per school year.

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.

For more information about NY Sun Works, visit www.nysunworks.org and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

For more information about Eagle Academy, visit www.eagleharlem.org.