Bridgeport, CT, July 7, 2008 – The Tow Foundation has awarded Groundwork Bridgeport, a non-profit organization located in Bridgeport, a $25,000 grant. The funding will be used to support Groundwork’s innovative Green Team program, which combines job training for high school students with environmental education.

 

“We’re very grateful to The Tow Foundation for continuing to support our work with Bridgeport’s youth,” said Richard Tiani, Groundwork’s Executive Director. “The Green Team program has been great for the students involved, and we are pleased that The Tow Foundation can help us expand the program and involve more students.”

 

The Green Team program is a summer landscaping and environmental program for high school youth. The program empowers and prepares youth to become productive citizens of their community and the economy as they transition from high school to the workplace. The Green Team is a natural outcome of Groundwork Bridgeport’s commitment to help communities eliminate environmental poverty and become vibrant, healthy, and safe places.  

 

Each summer, 10-12 students from Warren Harding High School have the opportunity for a paid summer landscaping internship with Groundwork Bridgeport. Inner-city youth have few opportunities to experience nature and the environment outside of Bridgeport. Thus, in addition to a paying job, the Green Team program offers unique experiences outside of the city. Our students have had the opportunity to hike on the Appalachian Trail and visit college campuses.  

 

Groundwork Bridgeport also has a partnership with Weir Farm National Historic Site located in Ridgefield, CT. The Green Team students gain advanced environmental experience by working with the National Park Service rangers to maintain hiking trails, build rock walls, and identify and remove invasive plants. Weir Farm is the only National Park located in the state and has been an important resource, offering Bridgeport students the opportunity to experience nature and learn at the site.

 

“It’s great that this foundation has been so generous to us,” Mr. Tiani said. “The public school system does not always offer kids the opportunities that they deserve. It is always great when the private sector steps up to support innovative educational programs.”

 

The Green Team program is in its fourth successful year.  Groundwork Bridgeport was founded in 1998 with a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Parks System, and the City of Bridgeport. It is dedicated to the regeneration, improvement, and management of the physical environment by empowering people, businesses, and organizations to promote environmental, economic, and social well-being.  For more information, contact Groundwork Bridgeport at (203) 335-6126 or visit its website at www.groundworkbpt.org.