Overview & Goals
In 2022, New Women New Yorkers (NWNY) secured a pivotal grant from NYSERDA as part of the Queens & Staten Island Clean Energy Hub initiative, spearheaded by Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens and five other organizations. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive clean energy economy in underserved communities of Queens and Richmond County.
Central to our mission is establishing career pathways for immigrant women into the clean energy industry. We aim to foster key partnerships with clean energy companies and employers to provide immediate employment opportunities and real-world experience. Simultaneously, we envision developing and facilitating ongoing clean energy career exploration and skill-building workshops, and collaborating with training providers and educational institutions to equip immigrant women with the necessary skills and knowledge for a thriving career in clean energy.
In the early stages of our journey, NWNY is also committed to community education and engagement initiatives. Our aim is to provide essential information and resources to households and small businesses, assisting them in transitioning to clean energy use. This holistic approach, combining workforce development and community-wide education, lays the groundwork for sustainable development and empowerment in the clean energy sector.
Clean Energy Transformation: Why It Matters
The drive towards clean energy is an essential response to the mounting urgency of climate change, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding our planet and future generations. In New York City, where the stakes are high, mobilizing for a sustainable future is not just a responsibility; it’s an active choice that we must make together.
Climate challenges in NYC
Facing rising sea levels and severe weather events, New York City’s shift to clean energy is a vital step in fortifying the city against the effects of climate change. This proactive approach is key to protecting our urban landscape and ensuring a resilient future.
Economic and job market benefits
The clean energy sector offers robust economic opportunities, fostering job creation and new industries. This transition is an investment in NYC’s economic vitality, supporting a thriving marketplace of green jobs and sustainable practices.
Health and community benefits
Transitioning to clean energy has the potential to significantly improve air quality, which is critical for the health of all New Yorkers. Clean energy policies aim to promote environmental justice and enhance the quality of life across every borough, with a vision of reaching in particular the most underserved communities.
NYC’s clean energy future
New York City’s commitment to clean energy sets a powerful example for both state and global efforts to embrace renewable resources. This commitment is about taking decisive action now to build a resilient, sustainable, and equitable city for the years to come.
Our Partners in the Queens & Staten Island Energy Clean Energy Hub
New Women New Yorkers is a proud participant in the Queens & Staten Island Clean Energy Hub, an initiative supported by a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Led by the Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens, the Hub unites six organizations, including NWNY, in a collaborative mission to propel the clean energy sector and support underserved communities.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
A cornerstone of New York’s clean energy vision, NYSERDA advances energy innovation and sustainability across the state. Through its programs and expertise, it promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emission reductions, contributing significantly to New York’s energy and environmental goals.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens
With a legacy of over 28 years in housing and community services, Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens is at the helm of the Hub, guiding key initiatives that aim to revitalize and enrich underserved neighborhoods in Queens.
Business Outreach Center of New York
The Business Outreach Center Network actively enhances economic opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs, fostering community growth and sustainable economic development.
Kinetic Communities Consulting
Kinetic Communities Consulting champions energy equity, collaborating with industry partners to bring accessible energy efficiency solutions to New York’s diverse communities.
Neighborhoods For A Sustainable Future
Advocating for a resilient future, Neighborhoods for a Sustainable Future focuses on affordable housing, clean energy, and sustainability education to build stronger, more sustainable communities.
Pratt Center for Community Development
The Pratt Center for Community Development works alongside community-based organizations, businesses, and policymakers to promote social justice and sustainable urban development.
Focusing on the educational and professional advancement of young adults, the Youth Wins Coalition offers essential career readiness resources, aligning nonprofits, local chambers of commerce, and academic institutions in their efforts.
Upcoming Clean Energy Initiatives
New Women New Yorkers is set to expand its flagship LEAD program with an array of initiatives designed to prepare participants for the evolving clean energy industry in New York City. These programs are being meticulously crafted to align with our four-pillar workforce development approach and will be supplemented by community education efforts and additional enriching activities such as panel discussions and field trips.
Our four-pillar workforce development approach:
- Job Readiness Workshops:
- Clean Energy Career Exploration Workshop: Already piloted, this workshop will be further refined and regularly offered to deepen participants’ understanding of the clean energy industry and its diverse career paths.
- Intro to Green Building and LEED Accreditation Workshop: This workshop will focus on green building — a key segment of NYC’s clean energy market — and provide participants with preliminary preparation for LEED accreditation.
- Company Practice and Networking Sessions: Sessions with leading NYC clean energy companies will afford hands-on learning and practice and will facilitate networking, connecting participants directly with industry insiders.
- Individual Support: Integral to our approach is the personalized guidance we offer to each participant. This pillar is being expanded to provide more targeted support, including resume building, interview prep, and career counseling, to navigate the clean energy industry’s opportunities effectively.
- Employer Partnership Programs: We’re working to bring multiple clean energy companies into our Career Fairs and to offer Interview & Orientation sessions with clean energy partners, laying the groundwork for meaningful employment opportunities and career progression.
Community education and engagement:
In parallel to these pillars, we’re developing Clean Energy Community Education Workshops that will serve to inform and engage the wider community in the transition to clean energy.
Further initiatives like industry expert panels and educational field trips are also envisioned.
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Resources for career opportunities:
- Clean Energy Internships: These paid internships are designed to prepare the emerging generation of professionals for New York State’s burgeoning clean energy sector, providing practical experience for students and recent graduates.
- Climate Justice Fellowships: Engage in a year-long, full-time fellowship program aimed at residents of New York State from priority populations, dedicated to advancing climate justice initiatives.
- Clean Energy Apprenticeships: Discover the opportunities that paid apprenticeships offer in the clean energy field, paving the way for a rewarding and prosperous career.
- Clean Energy Career Maps: Navigate through the diverse career paths within the clean energy landscape. These resources offer guidance on career progression, covering sectors such as Heat Pump and HVAC/R, Offshore Wind, Green Buildings, Solar, and Bioenergy.
Resources for clean energy transition for households and small business owners:
- EmPower+ Program: Sponsored by NYSERDA, EmPower+ aids low- and moderate-income households in implementing energy improvements, resulting in savings and more efficient energy use. Explore eligibility and incentive information to make informed decisions for property upgrades.
- Comfort Home Program: Begin with a no-cost consultation from certified contractors to select the best energy improvement package for your needs. Learn about the available rebates and financing options to optimize your home or business for energy efficiency.