“Starting with just 20 participants and rising to 80 last year, we are astounded by how much the Youth Inclusion Initiative has grown. With plans to engage 100 participants in 2025, this incredible program is poised for its largest and most impactful year yet,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “We invite community organizations from across the state to apply for the grant funding to join us in building a diverse, knowledgeable, and capable new generation of environmental stewards.”

Organizations best suited for the grant opportunity include local environmental groups, colleges and universities, neighborhood and community advocacy groups, and religious and social organizations.

• Funding: Grant funds support outreach, recruitment, supervisory services, transportation, meals, community projects and exposure to employment opportunities for the participants. Additionally, each participant will receive a stipend for taking part in the program.
• Interactive Learning and Professional Development: Participants will complete various interactive activities such as touring environmental facilities, conducting stream assessments, and identifying invasive species. To complement this, the program also provides guidance for pursuing career pathways after the program has ended by including professional development days featuring guest speakers and résumé workshops.
• Community Project Days: Once a week, the youth will participate in community projects focused on environmental improvement, such as creating rain gardens and painting stormwater drains. Up to $5,000 will be allotted for each project.
• Strengthening Community Ties: The program will include up to ten different organizations, two more than last year. Building on last year’s pilot partnership setup, this year all community organizations within the same region will be paired together. This approach aims to promote team building, foster collaboration, and strengthen community ties.

“The success of this program is fueled by the unwavering dedication of our partners, who are deeply committed to empowering young people and providing them the opportunity to explore careers in the environmental field,” said DEP Assistant Commissioner for Community Investment and Economic Revitalization Elizabeth Dragon. “We sincerely thank all of our partners for their invaluable participation and feedback each year, which are essential to the program’s continuous growth and enhancement.”

Improved Application Process

Building off the success of previous years, significant administrative enhancements have been made to improve communication between the DEP and its partnering organizations and ensure clarity on grant requirements and expectations.

This includes the transition of the Youth Inclusion Initiative to a grant-based program that utilizes DEP’s SAGE online grant management system. Using this updated application process, community-based organizations will be able to track their grant applications seamlessly from submission to approval and implementation.

Comments from Youth Inclusion Initiative Partners

“Looking back on last year’s DEP Youth Inclusion Initiative at the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield, we are so proud of our teens’ accomplishments. Throughout the program, they worked diligently to build a composting site in our Community Garden, developing the skills and confidence that will aid them in the workforce and their life beyond high school,” said Associate Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Garfield Laura Camarena. “The initiative has been a tremendous source of pride and a life-changing experience that prepared them for future success. It’s been an inspiration to see how their hard work and creativity have enriched our community and club programming, setting a strong foundation for their college pursuits and beyond. We’re grateful for the opportunity to witness their growth and look forward to seeing this program impact future cohorts.”

“Youth Inclusion Initiative provided a transformative opportunity for our youth to connect with environmental science and engineering professionals, empowering them to better understand the challenges affecting their communities,” said Octavia Sutphin, President of Neighborhood Improvement Association. “Through hands-on learning and real-world experience, our youth gained valuable skills that will support their personal and professional growth.  We are proud to have been part of this impactful initiative, and grateful for the support of the Department of Environmental Protection.”

“The Youth Inclusion Initiative summer program was an incredible opportunity for Ranch Hope to engage youth in the community and open doors for them to serve and lead in the areas of community cleanliness and community pride,” said Director of Community Missions at Ranch Hope Jonathan Cummings. “The youth loved the varied experiences that were provided to them all across the state and expressed just how much they learned that they hadn’t been exposed to before. The opportunity helped encourage new avenues of thinking towards future jobs and also how to make a difference in their hometown.”

“The NJDEP Youth Inclusion program has been a transformative force for Groundwork Elizabeth and our youth, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and hands-on experience to become environmental stewards in their own communities. This program not only deepened their understanding of environmental justice but also empowered them to take an active role in shaping a greener, more sustainable future,” said Executive Director at Groundwork Elizabeth John Evangelista. “Through this partnership, our young leaders gained invaluable skills that will benefit them for years to come, both professionally and personally. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to help cultivate the next generation of environmental champions.”

For more information about the 2025 Youth Inclusion Initiative, visit dep.nj.gov/yii.

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