September 4, 2024 – The City of Allentown announces the recipients of its Youth Climate Action Fund awards. This initiative, supported by a $50,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, aims to empower young people aged 15-24 to lead climate solutions in their communities.

A selection committee reviewed numerous applications, ultimately selecting eight projects to receive $5,000 each. These projects are designed to address various climate challenges and engage youth in creating sustainable solutions. The funded projects include:

1. Allentown School District: Building 21 High School Green Basketball Court

This project will create a lightly colored basketball court on the lower parking lot at Building 21 High School to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect. The initiative includes a community cleanup day, pavement repairs, court painting, and the installation of portable basketball hoops and educational signage.

2. Allentown School District: Sheridan Garden Revamp: A Collaborative, Student-Led Community Transformation

This project aims to revitalize the Sheridan Elementary Garden with new flower beds, a mural, and a Zen space. It involves collaboration between high school students and local youth leaders to enhance the garden’s functionality and beauty.

3. Cohesion Network: Seeds of Change: Exploring Food Systems for Our Future

“Seeds of Change” tackles food insecurity by exploring sustainable food systems in a local food desert. The project includes research, community engagement, and a block party to distribute fresh produce. A documentary will be produced to raise awareness about food access and sustainability.

4. Executive Education Academy Charter School: EEACS Community Garden

This project will create a sustainable community garden managed by high school students. The garden will provide fresh produce to a local soup kitchen and the school cafeteria, promoting environmental stewardship and healthy eating among students.

5. Fine Feather Foundation: Later is Too Late: Climate Change Awareness Mural

A group of 15-25 students will design and paint a mural titled “Later is Too Late – Climate Change Awareness” to highlight the urgency of addressing climate change and its interconnected impacts.

6. Movement Moves Media: Planet Pulse: City Solutions

This project will produce social media content to raise awareness about urban sustainability solutions. Young participants will lead interviews, create and edit content, and manage sponsored ads to engage the community in environmental responsibility.

7. Muhlenberg College: Tree Education and Stewardship Curriculum

Muhlenberg College students will develop a four-week climate curriculum focused on tree science for fifth-grade students at Muhlenberg Elementary. The program will culminate in a tree-planting festival, fostering environmental stewardship and climate action among young students.

8. Valley Youth House: Silky Garden Space

This project will host garden workshops and storytelling events centered on environmental sustainability for youth and young adults. The events will feature plays, poems, and stories to raise awareness about climate change and offer a platform for youth to share their experiences.

All funded projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The City may then be eligible for additional funding, up to $100,000, to support more youth-driven projects over the course of one year.

Information provided to TVL by:
Genesis Ortega
Communications Manager
Office of the Mayor
http://www.AllentownPA.gov

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