Hoboken awards $50,000 in grant funding for youth climate action projects

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today announced the recipients of the Youth Climate Action Fund. A total of 11 youth-led projects in Hoboken will receive microgrants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 each, funded by a $50,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. These microgrants aim to empower young residents to initiate and lead efforts addressing critical climate challenges within the Hoboken community.

"Our young people are catalysts for change, and their innovative ideas are essential to our fight against climate change," said Mayor Bhalla. "The Youth Climate Action Fund will nurture and support these bright minds and their visions for a sustainable future. Enabling these youth-led projects to come to life and make a real impact in our community. Thank you to Bloomberg Philanthropies for their partnership on this worthy initiative."

A diverse committee selected the projects, including educators, faith-based leaders, City staff, Hoboken Housing Authority staff, members of the Hoboken Green Team and Shade Tree Commission, and representatives from the Hoboken Youth Advisory Council.

Grant recipients include Computers 4 People / Dylan Zajac, Hudson School / Halle Stoffel, Hoboken High School Environmental Science Club/ Zoe Magaletta, Stevens Student Government Association / Alexander Stanczak, Girl Scouts Heart of NJ / Julia Saltzman, HWJ BBYO / Spencer Neissen, All Saints Episcopal Day School / Zachary Sommer, Resilience Youth Adventures / Otys Train, Stevens Education / Jessica Brigante, and Mile Square Theatre Dance Academy / Willa O'Connor.

The funded projects cover a broad range of climate action initiatives, including:

• A beehive project to increase pollinators
• A reusable to-go container pilot program
• A public seed and plant propagation station and exchange
• A rooftop garden program to capture rainwater
• Urban community gardens including hydroponic gardens
• Food rescue and food waste reduction initiatives
• Bird monitoring and education
• Computer refurbishment
• Educational and art initiatives

For more details about these projects, visit www.hobokennj.gov/resources/youth-climate-action-fund.

The Youth Climate Action Fund grant is part of a collaboration between Bloomberg Philanthropies, United Cities and Local Governments, and the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. It supports youth-driven climate initiatives through technical assistance and grant funding at no cost to taxpayers.