An Urban Environmental Education Model Center for Harlem

West Harlem Environmental Action (WE ACT) is a non-profit environmental justice organization in New York City working to address and improve the environment of predominately African American and Latino neighborhoods. WE ACT, along with other organizations, participated in the City’s planning process for the development of the Harlem Piers along the Hudson River between 125th street and 133rd street. It is expected that an Environmental Learning Center (ELC) will be an important piece of this waterfront development. In the event that a Request for Proposal is issued by the City for an ELC, WE ACT has asked a Capstone team to assist in researching how other ELC’s were developed throughout the country. The Capstone team focused on two areas: 1) model environmental education programs in the country and 2) funding sources for such centers. The Capstone team developed case studies of centers through out the country focusing the mission, core projects, budget, funding/sources of revenue as well as the population served by each environmental center. It is expected that this research will provide WE ACT with information the organization will need to respond appropriately to an RFP.