Celebrating Environmental Leadership at the Green City Force Graduation  

Green City Force (GCF) recently celebrated its 2023 cohorts at a graduation ceremony that was the culmination of months of hard work and impactful environmental initiatives by the graduates. 

GCF is an AmeriCorps program that provides NYCHA and low-income housing NYC residents ages 18 to 24 with full-time service projects, training, and education on sustainability and green technologies, as well as a stipend and assistance with job and college placement. GCF operates six urban farms as Eco-Hubs at Astoria, Bay View, Forest, Howard, Mariners Harbor, and Wagner Houses. 

The ceremony honored seven 2023 Eco-Hub Fellows, who served the entire year, and 33 Cohort 26 members, who served over six months. Throughout their service terms, the graduates distributed over 9,200 pounds of organic produce to NYCHA residents and collected 85,000 pounds of organic waste that was processed into compost, contributing to a more sustainable ecosystem in NYCHA communities. They also organized and hosted over 80 events and welcomed more than 2,200 visitors who learned about eco-friendly practices and initiatives.  

In addition to friends, family, GCF staff and alumni, and partners, other guests at the celebration included Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Executive Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development Abby Jo Sigal. Additionally, keynote speaker Theodore Moore, Executive Director of ALIGN New York, highlighted how GCF is using sustainability infrastructure to empower low-income communities of color; he told the graduates: “I see nothing but greatness from all of you. Don’t be afraid of the responsibilities of leadership. Dream big and accomplish bigger.” 

Graduate speakers Zaire Saunders of Cohort 26 and Eco-Hub Fellow Kaylah Glenn reflected on their accomplishments over their service terms. Mr. Saunders told his fellow graduates: “Time to make a change, time to make a difference in ourselves and in the community around us, and time to grow. Just like the many seeds we’ve planted that blossomed into beautiful fruits and vegetables, Cohort 26 synthesized in the same way. I’m proud to be an Eco-Hub Fellow and continue representing GCF within its space, and I’m proud that I get to represent the world as a forever Cohort 26 member.”  

NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES) hosts information sessions about Green City Force for public housing and Section 8 residents. Visit the REES website to learn about upcoming GCF information sessions at http://opportunitynycha.org/events/categories/green-city-force-information-session.