Our supplemental STEM education program is designed to improve the academic performance of K-12 students who attend under-resourced schools in EJ communities. Our goal is to help level the playing field by providing age-appropriate, energy related education so students are better equipped to compete academically and professionally. Our STEM program focuses on topics that include basic electricity, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the effects of climate change.

NYPA also provides STEM career awareness and preparation to upper level high school and college students – many of whom are the first in their family to attend college.

According to the U.S. Census (2011–2016), the national average energy bill for low-income households is 8.6%—3 times higher than for non-low-income households. NYPA’s Energy Education and Weatherization Workshops help alleviate some of this burden by teaching low-income homeowners and renters simple and no-cost ways they can conserve energy and lower utility costs without compromising comfort or safety.

You’ll find NYPA’s Environmental Justice staff working side by side with our neighbors at community fairs, neighborhood beautification projects, and back- to school events across the State. In 2019, NYPA sponsored its first Having Fun with STEM Day! for the 200 families living in Massena Housing Authority homes.

These opportunities help us develop a deeper, one-on-one understanding of the concerns and challenges of the families and residents who live in EJ communities.

NYPA recognizes the need to include all marginalized communities in the benefits that accrue from a clean energy economy. A critical part of our Environmental Justice mission is to act as the internal voice of the community to ensure that an Environmental Justice lens is applied to all of NYPA’s strategic planning efforts and operations.

Environmental Justice communities often lack the funding to implement energy efficient technology that can improve quality of life. NYPA’s Environmental Justice staff work with our partners to identify opportunities for us to help. We are engaged in ongoing planning for long-term energy services projects that are provided at no cost to our communities.