New York Sun Works Inc

NY Sun Works' outstanding success can be attributed to the exceptional team behind it. Their collaborative spirit, passion for sustainability, and genuine care for the communities they serve are contagious. By building strong relationships and sharing their expertise, they've created a lasting impact, making NY Sun Works an indispensable resource for local communities.

It is an honor to have worked with New York Sun Works, an amazing nonprofit organization dedicated to educating students on combating climate change through sustainable urban agriculture. It has been such a wonderful experience to be part of NYSW's mission and I sincerely hope that every New York school follows in its footsteps in creating a greener world one Hydroponic Classroom at a time.

My students are engaged in what they learn thanks to the hydroponic lab Sunworks has set up at our school. Their learning is literally brought to life through growing hydroponic leafy greens, herbs, and various vining plants. The experience not only nourishes their minds, it nourishes their bodies since my students are able to make dishes where they can taste produce at the peak of freshness and nutritiousness. They are also cultivating marketable skills in the rapidly growing field of controlled environmental agriculture.  Sunworks provides teachers with all the equipment, curriculum, and training necessary to guarantee success.

The NY Sunworks team has consistently delivered outstanding projects that focus closely on the education and development of students and schools, particularly in the realm of hydroponics labs. Their dedication to sustainable learning has a profound impact on future students and environmental trends.
The team's ability to communicate their project goals and visions effectively with school staff and administration is commendable. They ensure that everyone involved understands the importance and benefits of hydroponics labs, fostering a collaborative and informed environment.
NY Sun Works is a remarkable nonprofit that continues to drive positive change in our communities through innovative educational programs. Their work is not only shaping the minds of young learners but also contributing to a more sustainable future.

New York Sun Works is a superb organization. I have had the pleasure of collaborating closely with the leadership team at NY Sun Works and I am so excited to help students understand the connection between technology and the environment. Their passion for making a meaningful impact on students' lives is truly amazing. When students enter the hydroponics classroom they are astonished to see fruits and vegetables growing right in front of them and that they themselves have become Farmer Scientists. By providing this opportunity for our students, they have equipped them with the tools that they will need to have a productive and meaningful future. Learning about hydroponics is an excellent way to teach children the importance of the natural world and the impact that it has on all of our lives. I am so thankful to have been introduced to this remarkable nonprofit organization. NY SunWorks continues to drive positive change in our communities through innovative educational programs that benefit the entire school community. NY SunWorks has truly transformed our school in so many wonderful ways. We are eternally thankful and grateful for their dedication to the children in New York City!

I have worked with and followed New York Sun Works for several years now and I am constantly impressed with the reach of their initiatives across New York City, and the greater metro area. The number of students and quality of their work inspired me as an educator, and will serve the next generation of urban farmers for years to come. Beyond this, the organization if filled with great people, who work so hard to make the science come to life.

A great organization that's committed to providing NYC youth with the tools they will need for a productive future. It's had a profound impact in NY and NJ public schools and has designed robust curricula for science and sustainability. I am proud to be involved with NY Sun Works!

NYSW is a great organization that's committed to providing NYC youth with the tools they will need for a productive future. In a city where we can easily feel disconnected from the natural environment, they teach kids the importance of our natural world in ways that are truly engaging

I've been apart of the NY Sun Works Associate Board in 2019 and have been proud to associated with such an great organization! Young people recognize that climate change is going to shape their futures. They need climate education in order to develop green skills, adapt to the harsh reality of a warming world, and understand how to combat climate change.

At Satellite Academy, students have really enjoyed using hydroponics labs in the classroom, which give them a hands-on way to explore science. Many of them have also earned the CEA (Controlled Environmental Agriculture) certification through NYSunWorks, a program that teaches them how to grow plants hydroponically. Satellite Academy has teamed up with NYSunWorks to make these cool experiences and opportunities possible for our students. It’s thanks to the training and support from NYSunWorks that we’re able to bring these programs to life.

I am a volunteer who works for a grant writing arm of a NYC based religious organization. We focus on grantees who operate in three major areas. Hunger, Shelter and Education. NYSW’s focus on hydroponic farming is innovative and provides a hands on learning experience for students. What is grown in the class room is brought home to the dining room table. Does education get any more practical than that? We are proud to have supported NYSW for the past two years and hope to continue to do so.

NY Sun Works provides such excellent value to the New York educational system by inspiring kids to pursue passions in environmental sciences and inspire scientific interest. It has been a pleasure working with the team so far.

Our partnership with NY Sunworks began almost a year ago through generous funding from Congresswoman Velasquez to build a hydroponics research lab at LaGuardia Community College. In doing so, we have worked with various levels, of administrators, educators, curriculum experts and grants writers to build a partnership which we think will last a life-time. We consider NY Sunworks a close partner, and we are incredibly proud of the ground-breaking work they engage in fostering 3-dimensional learning in students K-12. Now, by including LAGCC as part of the pipeline, they have moved into working with 2-year community colleges, which offer a bridge to higher-ed. At LAGCC our Sustainable Urban Agriculture associates degree, has modules in controlled environment agriculture as part of the curriculum. We are currently working with NY Sunworks, in building credit for prior learning for their CEA certificates. Overall, this is an exciting partnership, and we look forward to building a pipeline to the next generation of food and agriculture professionals with NY Sunworks

An organization that cares about educating the next generation of sustainable citizens. Integrated learning, passionate teachers and engaged students. I couldn't be more impressed with the work at NY Sun Works and eager to hear more about the future of this organization.

Working with Elana and her team on a collaborative grant proposal has been a wonderful experience! The Sun Works team is knowledgeable, dependable, and eager to help our higher education institution further it's mission and support our students. Looking forward to our current and future collaborations with Sun Works!

I was very happy with the folks at New York Sun Works. They have been an excellent organization to partner with. They are professional, responsive, and do great work for the betterment of schools. They installed our lab quickly and their training folks are patient, knowledgeable, and professional. They assist you through all phases of the process and make the setup, equipment maintenance, and growing process easy and fun. I would highly recommend them if you are looking to advance hydroponics training and education in your facility. They are also wonderful people and I have had the pleasure of attending their events. The students who attended were excited, enthusiastic and were having a lot of fun. I look forward to continuing our partnership with them.

NY Sun Works is a wonderful organization that has a powerful impact on students. It teaches children and youg adults science through hands-on learning and helps develop an appreciation for a sustainable future.

I've had the pleasure of collaborating closely with the leadership team at NY Sun Works for over six months, and I'm consistently inspired by their unwavering commitment and tireless dedication to advancing the science of sustainability and climate education in public schools. Their passion for making a meaningful impact on students' lives is truly commendable. NY Sun Works is a remarkable nonprofit that continues to drive positive change in our communities through innovative educational programs.

I love the work Sun Works is doing with schools, students and educators. As an educator who has worked over a decade in Title 1 schools I am always looking to bring opportunities and experiences to my students that they might not otherwise get if they don’t get it through school. NY Sun Works has done a fabulous job of bringing urban farming into the classrooms and partnering with the department of agriculture to allow students to earn certification so they can pursue a career in this field as viable profession. The hands on learning and various visits to facilities and gardens in NYC adds a deeper level of understanding and makes it feel like a viable pursuit for students. I highly recommend schools that can, to work to partner with this organization.

I was connected to New York Sun Works through volunteer service in 2019, and immediately knew that they were an organization I needed to continue to work with. I joined their Associate Board later that year and haven’t looked back!

New York Sun Works is an organization that I wish was around when I was a student. By building hydroponic classrooms and incorporating lessons into NYS curriculum, they are leading the way in teaching NYC students about the importance of environmentally friendly initiatives, local, fresh food, and potential future careers.

I am proud to work with New York Sun Works, and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and expand their programming in the future.

NY Sun Works is fantastic organization that I am proud to support. As an associate board member, I’ve seen directly the dedication of the NYSW team, and am so impressed with their ability to educate students in innovative and creative ways .

I have volunteered with NYSW for the last 3 years and it has been truly amazing to witness their impact on the lives of NYC students!

To say that it was a pleasure to work with the NYSW Team would be an understatement - they were simply amazing, upbeat, motivated and most of all, a PHENOMENAL group of people to work with. I have so much gratitude for this team of professionals that are enhancing NYC area schools with the gift of education and healthy food.

When NYSW came to Green Mountain Energy Sun Club seeking grant funding for 2 new hydroponic labs in late 2021, we knew we had to partner with them. Being such a force in the community for good and really taking sustainability to the new level in the classroom, it's no wonder they are now part of the Sun Club family.

I look forward to seeing the growth and expansion of this program. Manuela, Megan and Elana, the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for being a part of our sustainability story at Green Mountain Energy.

- Johnny Richardson, Program Manager, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club

What an amazing educational program! Extremely relevant for the global challenges our children will face. The staff is very knowledgeable and professional, running operations and curriculum at top notch levels. I hope they continue growing and strengthening the amazing work they do. Kudos to the team!

New York Sun Works has been instrumental in helping my students grow exponentially. I wanted my students to have hands on experience in the science classroom on a daily basis. NY Sun Works provided the funding mechanism to get several hydroponic systems including tower gardens, Nutrient Film Technique , and the vine crop systems in my classroom. These systems empowered students to learn about hydroponics across several systems. We were able to control the growing process from seed to harvest. NY Sun Works were also able to support my classroom by providing lessons through their website, a hydroponic technician who assisted with weekly maintenance and answered all of my questions and concerns. Overall they are a world class organization that can revitalize your science labs and classroom to provide more hands on and culturally responsive lessons.

I've been apart of the NY Sun Works Associate Board in 2019 and it never ceases to amaze me the wonderful impact that NY Sun Works has on students promoting sustainability and STEM. I am proud to be associated with such an organization and I'm excited for the future

NY Sun Works is an extraordinary non-profit making a huge impact on young students of NY and NJ. The program and curriculum is a valuable and engaging STEM topic. As a NYC public school alum, I would've love to have an opportunity to learn hydroponics in a classroom setting. Supporting NY Sun Works means supporting NYC students and potentially next generation of farmers and changemakers.

I had the pleasure of working with Megan and New York Sun Works at my last school. They provided all the equipment, training, and curriculum, as well as maintenance and programing support for the hydroponics classroom there. I have to say, of the many school-based partners that I have worked with in my career, Sun Works is top of the list in terms of the quality of support and the resources that they provide.

I am extremely proud to support an organization as impactful and innovate as New York Sun Works. When I was looking into organizations to help and support, I wanted to find one that made a measurable impact while looking to solve real-world challenges. New York Sun Works was a perfect fit. Their partnership with schools not only allows students to get a hands-on experience in STEM projects, but also creates measurable impacts with the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. I could not be more proud to say that I am a member of the New York Sun Works associate board.

NY Sun Works' innovative programs meet so many crucial education needs, helping kids build proficiency in science, expanding access to quality, hands-on learning to the students who need it most, and giving students a real-world understanding of the causes and prospective solutions to sustainability challenges -- while growing fresh food to share with their families and communities. I'm proud to support them and excited to see them to grow!

Working with NY Sun Works has been a seamless experience. I work with a small school in Jamaica Queens, and we are seeking a grant to fund our program with NY Sun Works. Everyone in the organization has been generous with their time and knowledge to fulfill this grant and bring this project to life. I am so excited to continue to work with them, as we bring this program to life!

NY Sun Works is a phenomenal non-profit. I’ve been supporting them since they began 10 years ago and am continually impressed with their growth - both in the number of schools they serve and the depth of the educational opportunities they provide. I believe their commitment to climate change — a central core of their program — should be a crucial component of every kids education.

I recently saw first hand the dedication and commitment of their entire staff when I worked with them (as a volunteer) to help open a pop-up classroom on Astor Place. With a tight schedule and a lean budget, the team built a fully operational model hydroponic classroom in record time. Everyone pulled together to create an energized, educational, and stunning space. When I walk into their pop-up classroom brimming over with lettuce, kale, basil and more, I wish I could go back to school and experience the wonder of learning and growing in one of their beautiful labs.

I am a professor of sustainability action in a post graduate program consisting of K-12 educators exploring how to bring sustainable practices in to their classrooms. NY Sun Works' hydroponic farming program hits the mark by empowering students to take ownership of growing food and collaborating with fellow classmates. During the pandemic NY Sun Works sent home kits enabling students to grow produce at home thereby staying connected to the natural world and to one another. Hannah J. the liaison and presenter from NY Sun Works brings her breadth of knowledge and contagious enthusiasm to presentations. Our students need a connection to nature, especially now, with the impacts of COVID 19. NY Sun Works' programs and resilient approach delivers.

I facilitated NYSW in developing their next strategic plan and had the opportunity to meet leadership, board, the full staff, and many partners, teachers, administrators who work with NYSW. I was deeply impressed with the passion, dedication, and professionalism of NYSW's operation. Every partner I interviewed has LOVED their experience with NYSW because of how much of a positive impact it makes on kids lives. NYSW is the perfect balance of a well run operation connected to a powerful mission. Some day they may have to change their name because this model should be in so many cities! Keep up the great work.

I love how much personalized care is provided by Sun Works. The curriculum specialists help teachers to tailor lessons for your students. The maintenance team is super knowledgable. They make you feel comfortable and confident to plant on your own and even experiment with growing new veggies! Our students love how green the classroom is and how it is always changing. I would recommend Sun Works to all schools in the DOE.

New York Sun Works Inc are one of the best organizations I have ever dealt with. My main point of contact is Megan Nordgren and she is very professional and helpful. I dealt also briefly with other team members and they are all very pleasant to deal with and have a very positive attitude. Clearly everyone I met in this organization is very dedicated and love what they do.

GREAT mission, GREAT team! the CLOZTALK team is honored to call this org a partner & promote its good work!

CLOZTALK team
>> Jonny Imerman, co-founder

NY Sun Works' innovative hydroponics projects and stellar support have enabled our students at P.S. 12, The Dr. Jacqueline Peek Davis Elementary School, to forge deep connections to the natural world. Megan and Barry are AMAZING and have been instrumental in helping P.S. 12 use limited space and resources to create an unrivaled learning experience!

Great program providing a much needed resource for food production and sustainability education in New York city schools. I wish I had something like this when I was going to school in NYC. Hydroponics is a truly great way for students to learn about nutrient cycling, and is a tool that can help underserved NY communities achieve food sovereignty, so I think it's incredible that NY Sunworks is working so hard to facilitate kids getting access to this education.

Sun works is a wonderful opportunity for students who have physical disabilities to participate in very meaningful ways with their typically developing peers. The leaders at Sun Works have always sought out occupational therapists to learn how best to adapt tools and activities in the Greenhouse to support students with disabilities so that they too can learn and enjoy their experience there. There is a sense of urgency in making sure that Sun Works continues to engage all of our students as they learn about how to cultivate and continue building on a proper verdant and ecological society. The sensual experience of working with the earth, compost, plants and sunlight are urgent and necessary during this very complicated time. With gratitude to New York Sun Works for its positive impact on the lives of children and youth, Dr. Laurette Olson

New York Sun Works is an innovative organization. They offered my students a comprehensive and engaging presentation. The staff is friendly and supportive. I am so excited about their work and appreciate their commitment to building a sustainable future.

We have been working with NY Sun Works for about 2 years (unofficially) to help us launch our interdisciplinary Indoor Agriculture program at Northern Michigan University. They have been a pleasure to work with - extremely professional, helpful and collaborative. We very much look forward to building upon our relationship as their vision and passion are what our young students need!

NY Sun Works is an incredible organization that cares deeply about the work that they do. They are invested in the partnerships they create with schools and cultivate genuine connections through their team members’ commitment and passion for teaching others to grow food. They are a wonderful resource for local communities!

An inspiring organization with dedication to sustainability and climate change education.

I’ve been following and supporting New York Sun Works since The Greenhouse Project began 10 years ago with the construction of its first state-of-the-science greenhouse lab on the rooftop of a Manhattan public elementary school. Today, with more than 130 greenhouse labs built in NYC public schools, NYSW has risen to the challenges of the current health crisis by creating innovative remote learning solutions, such as their recently-deployed STEM kits, so that children can learn from home. Impressive!

NYSW is a wonderful non profit responsible for my daughter’s grade and middle school curriculum. Her time in the Greenhouse at school learning and harvesting as a community is one of her best memories of MSC. As a non profit, NYSW is transparent and responsible with their funds.

NY Sun Works has been a great hands on experience for my students in the Science Lab. Students’ have been able to learn about everything from healthy food choices that are grown and eaten in the classroom to modern day farming with hydroponics.

This year, despite the difficulties that we all had to face during this current pandemic, NY Sun Works decided to host their Youth Conference remotely which gave many students like us,  a chance to still participate and be able to present the work that we've accomplished throughout the school year. As a student who has participated in the conference, I was so inspired by all the different types of projects that were presented! Even during such a difficult time, the community of NY Sun Works is ever so motivated and resilient to share their work and shed light on educating others about environmental issues and more.

So impressed with the work that this group has accomplished. School science labs need hydroponics, and they are hard at work on the issue.

NY Sunworks has steered my passion for the sustainability sciences. Without their involvement in my school, I wouldn't have had the pleasure to cultivate fresh produce in the comfort of my classroom. I consider the greenhouse to be a second home. My ongoing participation allowed me to become more familiar with my surroundings. Now, I advocate for environmental justice for future generations. NY Sunworks has definitely jumpstarted my drive for social change.

I love supporting an organization that has the ability to change the future of so many children through education. Sun Works’s hands on approach makes learning science and learning about sustainability and nutrition fun and meaningful.
It is my hope that they keep growing and expanding their program to many more schools.

Sunworks is impactful for kids and communities in the short term, but more importantly, in the long term by instilling in the next generation the knowledge and impact that they can have on their community and the planet. To see the excitement and joy that the kids experience as they learn about science and sustainability gives us hope for the future.

I was lucky to have a Greenhouse Project classroom in my school. The program allowed me to learn about science and sustainability from 2nd to 8th grade. My favorite system was the aquaponic tank or fish farm. While the program was about STEM with a focus on environmental science, we also learned about climate change, food systems, and other related topics, but most importantly, we learned how we can make a difference in the sustainability of our planet.

I have been collaborating with the NY Sun Works since February 2019 and I can assure that it has been a truly rewarding experience so far. It has given me the amazing opportunity to see the direct effect of the programs on children in expanding their scope of education to include environmental matters in their interests. In an era where there is significant apathy towards larger matters affecting the globe, it is tremendously rewarding to see children and teenagers learning to become passionate about climate change and other global risks.

I always learn something new and exciting at the PDs. Love NY Sunworks.

Chancellor’s Day PD at PS199 was incredible! Hands on learning from Amber Carlin-Mishkin and JoEllen Schuleman made hydroponics come alive! NYSunworks thank you for this stellar day of learning.

I've been working with NY Sunworks for 4 years now. Every workshop is informative and hands-on. The staff is knowledgeable and professional. They are a true inspiration to urban farming!!

This is a wonderful addition to our school and has helped our students and community.

Students enjoy learning with their innovative labs!

NY Sunworks has helped to elevate my school in ways we will benefit from for years to come. P.S. 14 is one of the most socioeconomically challenged schools in the borough of Queens. We could not raise the money for a hydroponics lab within our community so NYSunworks found us a donor that not only provided the capital for the project, but, came to be part of the hydroponics systems installation.

Every time my students enter the science lab, their eyes light up with wonder and I know that something powerful is being sparked within them that wasn't there before.

Furthermore, with the ongoing support that NYSunworks staff is giving us, I know that we will soon be providing our school community with fresh, healthy produce and the skills they need to grow their own food at home.

We are extremely grateful that this organization exists and that we are a part of the life changing work that they do.

I am a supporter of this organization for their wondeful work at public schools teaching youth about what really matters in the 21st century: science and climate education.

NY sun works is an org I'm incredibly proud to support. Throughout the years, they've been able to bring alternative thinking to a one size fits all education for public schools in NYC that's really changing the way kids interact with their own studies. It was incredible to see the effects of that at last year's benefit, where 2 of the most brilliant kids I'd ever met came on stage to talk about how learning in a greenhouse had given newfound enthusiasm to their classroom's view of science. Looking forward to them inevitably expanding to new frontiers!!!

A great organization that's committed to providing NYC youth with the tools they will need for a productive future. In a city where we can easily feel disconnected from the natural environment, they teach kids the importance of our natural world in ways that are truly engaging.

My company has a charitable giving program so our group wanted to find a cause to support. I searched the internet and came upon the New York Sunworks organization.
This non-profit helps mostly urban schools develop a program to teach students about hydroponic farming technology. I thought what a great program - teaching kids/young adults science and sustainability through hands-on experience.
Since then, we received approval to support the program, volunteered to help build the lab, and attended the Youth Conference, which was inspiring to see so many students going up on stage to present their experiments, findings, and learnings.
We will continue to support Sunworks for as along a we can. It has been a great rewarding and educational experience for us as well. Well done, everyone at Sunworks!

I've really enjoyed working with New York Sun Works. They helped us design and build a new hydroponics lab at our school. This took a lot of coordinating and communicating with the School Construction Authority and would probably have overwhelmed me with my teaching load. The final result is beautiful. Now that the school year has begun they are so supportive in terms of helping to anticipate what supplies we need and training a cohort of teachers each week. As a teacher, doing this type of hands-on work is so much easier with their support. Our students are already planting seeds and excited for their first harvest.
One thing that I really appreciate about NY Sunworks is their commitment to the environment. Students are not just learning about plants, but about energy, water, waste, food justice, etc. This is what we strive for at City-As-School; interdisciplinary, real-world learning and NY Sunworks has helped us provide that for our students!

My school is in partnership with New York Sun Works and our greenhouse classroom is such an amazing space for learning. My students look forward to science and our time with the hydroponic systems. The GHC is the perfect vehicle to not just make science real, but to cultivate students' interest in being a steward of our planet and making more sustainable choices.

Thomas A. Edison Career & Technical High School began using NY Sunworks two years ago. NY Sunworks has been instrumental in helping us create and expand our Hydroponic Gardens. As a result of our collaboration, students with disabilities have not only learned an invaluable skill set that may serve them well in the 21st century job market, but have also learned the value of self-sustainability and the importance of our role in various environmental issues.

We plan to continue our relationship with this non-profit for years to come and would highly recommend them.

They are fantastic! Responsive, helpful and efficient.

this is a super cool program!!!!!!!
our class loved the fish tank!

I have supported NYSW for a number of years and watched them grow. NYSW is very well organized, and despite all kinds of hurdles and oppositions that non-profits come up against, the determination of this small group of women has been formidable. They now they have 44 greenhouse classrooms installed and 31 more about to be built. What better way to teach children about sustainability, respecting the environment, and responsibility than having a live greenhouse to teach them in.

I have supported NYSW for a number of years because I believe in their mission. I have watched them responsibly grow and reach more and more young people in schools and train teachers. With the Climate Crisis clearly growing and becoming more and more a reality it is the children who will save the planet. NYSW is giving them the education they need and deserve to solve our future environmental problems.

NYSW is the real deal. This organization has grown organically under the leadership of parents, teachers, and scientists, and added more schools and more projects every year since 2008. The impact is large and growing, and the return on investment is phenomenal because of the leverage built into the NYSW model, which uses donor funds to kindle projects but requires each school community to raise additional capital and operational costs. NYSW has a proven model for gathering our scholastic communities together to build better science labs in our schools and more scientific minds in our children.

The Aquaponics module was an exciting exposure to modern ways of sustainably farming all kinds of food including fish. We were tasked to create our own aquaponics systems that thrived in our classrooms. I had a lot of fun seeing how easy it can be to build sustainable growing options while also collaborating with friends.

The Nysunworks youth conference was very interesting. It helped further my knowledge of sustainable solutions to earth's present problems. The students were well researched and spoke of all of the aspects of sustainability. I really enjoyed attending.

los objetivos que tiene esta organización, son sumamente importantes en nuestro tiempo, pero lo que es realmente admirable es el método que han implementado ya que la educación sobre la naturaleza , no debe ser sólo teórica , sino que la práctica diaria y el contacto que los alumnos tienen constantemente con los procesos biologicos y quimicos que se desarrollan en la naturaleza, hacen que esta forme parte del mismo alumno, no como una materia más , sino como parte de la misma vida.

I have been a board member for NYSunworks for around 10 years and this is one of the most impressive non-profits I've come across. First off, this an incredibly frugal organization with an extremely low budget for the number of children it services and the range of its programs. The two directors Manuela Zamora and Sidsel Robards are paid employees of the organization, but the amount of work they put in is more than double for which they are paid. They do this out of passion for the project because they love what they are doing and know they are bringing something special and valuable to the kids. This is one of those few home-run charities: the kids love it so much attendance goes up on the days they have this class (which is an amazing feat for schools that have attendance problems); the children's grades go up an average of one full grade for science; the teachers, principals, and parents love it; the money donated is used effectively and never wasted.

As a greenhouse intern, I worked in a great environment and with great people. I learned a lot about sustainability and relationships between city, food and health. It was a wonderful experience. NYSW works is an extraordinary way with kids and teacher to build a better future.

As a greenhouse intern, I have the privilege of working in these amazing spaces and assisting innovative teachers who introduce children to a variety of scientific concepts through hydroponic and aquaponic systems. It is wonderful to see how urban and local food production is normalized for these kids, and how much they enjoy working with plants, insects, fish and lab equipment, even clean-up tools! New York Sun Works is running a great organization that addresses a real need in our educational system—I hope this amazing opportunity is extended to as many kids as possible.

I think is one of the best curriculums I have seen incorporated in schools. Not only do the students get the opportunity to learn sustainability and science through a hands on approach, but they also get an introduction into the process of food production and what good food tastes like.

my school was goven the privelege of a hydroponic greenhouse by NYSunworks. It is a wonderful place with msny lesrning oppurtunities

As a former student of a greenhouse project school I loved learning science through the hydroponics technology provided in the greenhouse. The hydroponics systems gave me independence to discover scientific concepts on my own as well as made the learning of the curriculum we would have otherwise learned in a classroom much more interesting.

Education is the long term solution to sustainability and NY Sun Works brings an innovative view of how to address this. Furthermore, this organization creates genuine interest from kids not only in sustainability but in their overall school program. I know about children that have become enthusiastic to study science and that now understand better how the whole ecosystem is connected and how they can help the world to be more sustainable

New York Sun Works is the perfect example of a high impact organization. It is not only about building greenhouse labs and teaching science and sustainability, it is about addressing today's issues of global environmental concerns, improving families and communities, sharing and engaging... building a better future

New York Sun Works is a wonderful, innovative organization that is bringing hydroponic farming to urban students throughout the city. I am lucky to be able to work with them and teach my students how living in an urban environment does not mean we can't have access to freshly grown produce in school and even in our homes! It's opened up students' minds (and teachers) to the ways of future farming, even on a small scale. New York Sun Works' innovation has made this all possible. Also, with the curriculum they've created, our students are given the opportunity to learn about today's environmental issues and how to make changes in our own lives. Plus, as the school's Sustainability Coordinator, the big concepts embedded in their curriculum ties in well to how we move to a more sustainable way of living.

I consider myself so lucky to have the opportunity to work with New York Sun Works every day. The organization is lean, efficient and well-run. They open doors (figuratively and literally!) into the world of sustainability, nutrition and agriculture for urban school students. Their curriculum is extremely effective in teaching math, science, engineering, and so much more through plants and fish (hydroponics and aquaponics). It's a great honor to watch kids come alive in the beautiful greenhouses or classroom labs and learn lessons they'll have for life.

At my old school they have a NYSW greenhouse, which really informed me on diet, food production, and climate change. Because of the material being taught in this environment me and my class were able to learn more while having fun.

I have known the work of NY Sun Works since their Barge on the Hudson River. Over the years, my admiration and appreciation for their work has only grown. As a high school dance teacher at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, I understand the importance and impact of their program on students. I believe that a healthy environment is a prerequisite for nurturing young people regardless of what path they choose to pursue in the future.

As a new employee at NY Sun Works, I continue to be impressed with the level of commitment and enthusiasm evidenced by the team members. It is clear that the mission of imparting the knowledge of science and sustainability to inner-city public school students is of critical importance to the organization. The team is also revitalized as they witness the hydroponic labs giving kids a fun way to learn about science and sustainability using hands-on experience and enjoying the fruits (vegetables and flowers) of their labor.

This organization has grown steadily embarking on a journey to bring quality ecological education to as many students in NYC as possible. Growing an idea into a reality, they are forever open to thinking anew about the ways ecology, sustainability and education connect to many aspects of our everyday life - fashion, architecture, art, politics, food, technology, and grass-roots movements. Their consistent efforts and exemplary work have stirred excitement in educators and students alike, empowering them to gain understanding of the world and play an active role as environmentalists.

NY Sun Works has provided my children and the other students at their school to learn about not only science, but to also interact with the environment in such a positive way. My daughter absolutely loves science because she has had numerous opportunities to participate in Sun Works activities. Thank you, Sun Works!

As a new member of the NY Sun Works team, I'm so inspired by what they've established in the school community. The integration of environmental science curriculum, reaching all aspects of the learning experience K-8 through the greenhouse labs, is so impressive. And important! The experiential aspect of the learning experience is invaluable. The way the program ripples out to the community is yet another priceless byproduct of the greenhouse lab.
I'm completely thrilled to be part of it.

A few short years ago, NY Sunworks was a concept that promised to be big. It has not fallen short of those expectations; in fact, it has exploded in its far reach to educate children, inspire adults, and motivate leaders to act locally with global reprecussions. Thanks to the excellent and conscientious works of the organization what started as a few greenhouses on school rooftops has now turned into an urban movement. Kudos to the NY Sunworks staff and management for guiding a concept into a necessity.

This is an absolutely professional organization run by professional and dedicated people!!

This is an incredible initiative and such a pleasure to see how it adds to quality education for children in grade school. I have been following this project for years and am a huge fan!

I first heard about NY Sun Works while working at an aquaponic startup company based in NYC. When they invited me to tour their flagship greenhouse at PS 333, I was blown away by the scope of their programming. Not only do students learn about health, the environment, biology and chemistry, they learn practical job skills like project development, team management and critical thinking and cooperation. Seeing all of the heartfelt signs posted by students filled me with joy too.

They are a great team doing awesome work that is badly needed.

New York Sun Works is doing vital work in connecting children to the sources of their food and giving them the means for a hands-on experience in learning how food plants are grown. The links between the science classroom, the adjacent greenhouse, and the school kitchen provide a practical way to learn science.

I have been working with N Y Sun Works for almost a year in their corporate fundraising initiative. The management has shown great intelligence, flexibility and creativity in their search for funding. They are thorough and extremely well-informed. The organization runs an extraordinary academic program in sustainable urban gardening for NYC public school children.

New York Sun Works has helped me become a better educator. The depth of engagement on the part of the students is incomparable.

NYSW does a great job of helping this generation of students learn and understand the importance of sustainability in our food production systems. Their model of student engagement in their greenhouse labs, coupled with classroom work and actual food production, is one that that I wish could be emulated in metro areas in other states.

I have the utmost respect and admiration for the leadership of NYSW and their mission to bring Sustainability Education into the classroom to inspire children to find solutions for our Global Climate crisis.
When they asked me to join the board without hesitation I said yes. I am so happy it is possible for more and more schools to have the Hydroponic Systems. It is clear there is a growing desire from more and more schools to expand their curriculum so the children can stretch their minds and learn a skill set that will serve the planet well . This inspires me to find ways to continue to help NYSW grow

Picked up from the NY Sun Works barge in the Hudson River by one classroom mother and developed, together with another classroom mother, into an elementary school science laboratory, in less than four years the Greenhouse Project has made hands-on urban farming a part of the learning experience effectively integrated not only into the curriculum of 15 of New York’s elementary schools but also into the lives of the children. The children will take with them a personal knowledge of the fundamentals of sustainable development and pride in the production of a healthy food supply.

One of our goals this year was to focus on the importance of Science learning across the school. Our science vertical team consisting of teachers, parents and our partners with NY Sunworks and Urban Advantage have organized and planned three important Science events: Science Symposium, Science Fair and the “NY Sun Works Youth Conference @ MSC: Discovering Sustainability Science.

At the Science Sustainability Symposium, 5th-8th students were charged to complete a long-term investigation greenhouse project demonstrating their knowledge and scientific creativity of sustainable science. Students presented their projects on “Discovering Sustainable Science.” They demonstrated their mastery of our environmental Science curriculum, which was developed in partnership with NY Sunworks. During the Science Sustainability Symposium, students and staff and guest evaluators assessed project-based learning and challenge based module projects and shared comments based on a rubric that was designed by students and the Science team. Projects were then chosen and students of those projects will have opportunity to audition to be a presenter at the “NY Sun Works Youth Conference @ MSC: Discovering Sustainability Science on June 13th.

Our goal and mission of Science Fair 2014 was to showcase student work in Science that concentrates on science investigation through the Science curriculum.
K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades: Created classroom sustainable science project completed in the greenhouse
5th grade: Designed investigative Science Projects developed during science instruction in the greenhouse
6th graders: Shared original designs of sustainable buildings built during the Sustainable Cities Sustainable Solutions module. The creative buildings address the environmental issues confronted by our growing population.
7th graders: Presented original designs of original hydroponic systems, with an operations manual based on their research of hydroponic farming during the Hydroponic Games module. Another group presented their action plans as solutions to raise awareness and to significantly cut energy use at our school, resulting in financial savings and reduced environmental impact. This energy teamwork is working in partnership with the Pathways of the Eco-Schools USA program.
8th Graders: Presented solutions to combat threats to our ocean during the Conserving Oceans module. They shared explanations with the goal to address the impact of this problem on other organisms and the how it affects the state of the ocean in future years if this problem continues. Another group from the We are What You Eat module presented their research of the current food system and ways to educate our school and local communities about the food system and how they can change it for the better. They also shared their educational ad campaign about their solutions as a national platform to bring countrywide attention to this problem. (8th grade projects will also be presented at the Urban Advantage expo at the museum of natural history in June).

My school has a NY Sun Works greenhouse and I think it is great. We learn a lot about sustainability and studying food systems. We also design and build our own farming systems which is really interesting. We have also done fun video campaigns about health to try to convince younger students at the school to make better choices.

NY Sun Works does an amazing job of incorporating every aspect of STEM learning using their hydroponic and aquaponic systems to their fullest. Whether biology, chemistry, earth sciences, or physics, their grade-appropriate lesson plans combined with the hands-on labs add a depth to the material being taught. Not only does it allow kids to really grasp and work with the concepts in a way that just isn't possible in a typical classroom, but it teaches the students that they have the ability to change the world.

I have been a donor for several years and to see the way Sun Works has grown in so many schools is amazing and bodes well for the future. Honestly, it is a credit to their commitment how Sun Works is able to do so much with such a small group of people and still manage to change the conversation around sustainability science and education for the better. I will continue to support this organization any way I can, and hope that many will do the same. A solid investment with big growth opportunities!

NY Sun Works is really on to something. Using hydroponic food production as a launch pad for science and sustainability education is one of the most exciting delivery systems for this kind of engaged learning that I have ever seen.

New York Sun Works is an amazing non profit which connects and works with NYC public schools in a way so few organizations are doing. Our K-8th grade school, Manhattan School For Children, has incorporated innovative science curriculum for all our students from Kindergarden through the 8th grade and has promoted hands on learning in a way that is exciting for every age. Manhattan School For Children's Greenhouse, is the first one of its kind, and it is built on our building's rooftop, and includes an aquaponics system where both fish and plants co-exist, a vertically-intergrated garden, a cooling system so you don't need air-conditioning, solar panels, and everything about living and promoting a sustainable future. Our science curriculum is so much more enriched and progressive, preparing our children for the 21st century. Our school is forever changed!

As a Horticulturist, I had not been involved in Hydroponics since my last year of College at SUNY Morrisville, class of '98. I first learned of NY Sun Works, through a Special report in PBS, I was fascinated to see how education and schools were becoming part of this new curriculum of Hydroponics, Aquaponics & their importance for future generations. I'm grateful to had been accepted as an Intern, since June I've worked side by side with Students, Teachers & most of all The NY Sun Works Staff. It's amazing to see how practical, formidable & intriguing the whole endeavor is. The care and work that goes into this project amazes me everyday. I'm glad I took a chance at wanting to update my Hydroponics skills. Forever grateful to have done it at an outstanding program. Thanks! :)
Lisette Tiburcio
AAS in Horticulture / Horticultural Therapist / Designer

I have been a supporter of NY Sun Works' for several years because I believe in making science education accessible and exciting for all students. I'm proud that my support has helped reach hundreds (if not thousands) of school kids through NY Sun Works' school-partnerships and teacher-training course. As a supporter, I feel very connected to the work through the newsletters and the wonderful annual event I look forward to attending each year.

NY Sun Works is a critical asset among the educational tools available to our children. This kind of highly specific, place-based learning, with its focus on real world science, is too rare in our monolithic urban school systems. As an organization, NY Sun Works is as genuine and grass-roots as it is relevant and empowering. I founded the organization in 2005, but my vision to develop greenhouse science laboratories on and in every school in the city has been taken up, expanded, and improved by dozens of others since. The parents and teachers who form the heart and soul of the organization see the rooftops of New York City as an untapped resource for delivering science, sunlight, and the magic of living things to their children and students. They have taken vision to reality, first by building the Sun Works Center at PS 333, then by building other greenhouses large and small, and along the way developing a top notch formal curriculum in accord with Dept of Education standards and guidelines, so the barriers to learning biology, chemistry and physics by growing and managing living plants and animals - in the heart of New York City - are lower than ever before.

New York Sunworks is one of the best charities I have ever come across. I have served on the boards of several charitable organizations throughout the years and am completely impressed with the dedication and efficiency of everyone involved. The board is very careful and cost conscious, the teachers are excellent and the kids love everything they learn. Donating to the Greenhouse project is creating a legacy of urban farming, sustainability and environmental consciousness for generations of children to come.

New York Sun Works has found a sweet spot around science, nature, technology, food and urbanism. They address the surging interest in urban agriculture in ways that appeals to adults and kids both. But it is the children's work that is inspiring - they absorb the science and policy lessons in remarkable ways.

I am an architect who has worked with NYSW on several greenhouse projects. It has been personally very rewarding to collaborate with them on innovative structures that are not just containers for the curriculum, but teaching tools themselves. Every city school should have one of these!

NY SUN WORKS is crucial because it is helping students to develop 21st century skills that will lead them to find viable solutions to issues of sustainability. As principal of The Manhattan School for Children , I have seen how our whole community has been excited and inspired by the Greenhouse, and how quickly the themes of sustainability science have become part of our schools core. I'm proud of all the progress our students have made so far and I am excited to see where The Greenhouse Project will take them in the future.

As the founder of Cape Eleuthera Island Schoo, www.islandschool.org, my life work has centered on how to model sustainable living out on the periphery. I am proud to be associated with NY Sun Works and our focus on how to live well in an urban environment and inspire people of all ages to believe that we can shift towards a more sustainable future.

I audited a 12-week class at NYSW's hydroponic greenhouse in the Manhattan School for Children (MSC). The course, entitled "Waste, Water, Energy," was a sustainability PD course for K-12 teachers taught by MSC's science teacher and NYSW educator Shakira Castronovo. Shakira is a great teacher who is herself completely devoted to sustainable living and environmental education, and has a clear command of the subjects she teaches. She is also the person who maintains the hydroponic greenhouse, so part of the class involved her teaching us about the elements of hydroponic greenhouse maintenance including measuring Ph, nitrates and ammonia levels in the water. This was very interesting. She introduced the three topics of the course - Waste, Water, Energy - to participants in a very natural way through PowerPoints, discussions, and hands-on activities that included making your own vertical gardening kit and your own vermi-composting bin. Some of the classes included visitors from organizations like NYC H2O, Solar1, Food Fight, and MSC's own Sustainability Coordinator Jen Prescott who spoke about the topics being addressed in the class. They each brought interesting elements to our discussions. The course also required teachers to complete projects and design curriculum prototypes that they could bring back to their classrooms. There was also a fair amount of peer review and feedback given on these projects. It was fascinating to see the evolution of the teachers in the class over the 12 weeks. I would say that a majority, if not all, came away with a clearer understanding about the many aspects of sustainability education, the need to educate students about the issues that will impact their future, and the ways in which it can be done. I wish all teachers could take this kind of training.

New York Sun Works (NYSW) is a gem in New York City! The Computer School partnered with NYSW and created hydroponic science lab known as The CS HydroFarm Project. Thank you NYSW! Your organization is invaluable to schools in NYC. I hope more schools connect with NYSW so more kids can learn more about sustainability. When a child learns to how food is grown from seed to harvest, it changes their world.


NYSW could be an answer to the Next Generation Science Standards. Engaging students in scientific practices such as asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing explanations, designing solutions, generating and justifying evidence-based arguments and evaluating and communicating data.

Preparing students with 21st century skills in a full-scale greenhouse lab has been very exciting. Students are engaged, learning about hydroponic gardening chemistry to ensure plants grow. This year the HydroFarm is growing lettuce, tomatoes, sugar snap peas, pattypan squash, cucumbers and a variety of herbs like basil, thyme, lemon balm and mint. Our young farmers are also giving guided tours to other students. They explain how the hydroponic systems work to all visitors.

Great work NYSW! See some of the work we have been able to do at the CS HydroFarm due to NYSW
https://www.facebook.com/CsHydroFarmProject

https://twitter.com/cshydrofarm

http://vimeo.com/52221765

NYSW brings me a new window to learn about sustainable knowledge, especially the hydroponic farming . when I walked into the greenhouse lab at first time, I was impressive by the facilities, the teachers's professional teaching and the children, they touch, feel, record and learn. Even for me, the graduate student, I can't clearly explain the greenhouse basic working principle but thanks to NYSW, it provide a platform to educate children by using the hands-on ways. Although I worked as volunteer over last two months to assist NYSW manage social media platform and develop media plan, it's absolutely a amazing experience to engage with all of them.

I spent a brilliant month working with NY Sunworks in their greenhouses over the summer. Work was fun and varied, and we were given a good amount of responsibility as well as a good grounding in understanding hydroponics. I think it's a fantastic charity with a clear and positive objective to get more children interested in and knowledgeable about sustainability and the world around them, particularly in areas where they might not normally have access to this. I would highly recommend a month spent volunteering with them!

NYSW contributes real learning and true innovation for kids desperate for more stimulation in school. They are moving NYC into a more competitive landscape with science and are moving with the times, leading the way.