The Bronx Green Jobs Center has secured a $1.4 million state grant, marking a major step forward for the workforce training hub Fordham broke ground on in July.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the award this month as part of a $4 million statewide investment in clean energy workforce development programs approved by the New York Power Authority. The center—led by the University in partnership with Bronx nonprofit the Knowledge House—received the largest single allocation among seven funded initiatives.
Bringing Green Economy Career Pathways to the Bronx
Fordham President Tania Tetlow said the grant will provide “real pathways to good-paying careers” in the green economy for Bronx community members.
“I applaud Governor Hochul’s tireless support for clean energy workforce development, ensuring that New Yorkers are prepared to succeed in one of the fastest-growing sectors of our economy,” Tetlow said.
The grant will support the launch of initial training programs at the center, which is designed to prepare residents of historically underserved communities for jobs in renewable energy and related fields.
Through the grant, “we’re investing in New Yorkers and the clean energy jobs of the future,” Hochul said in a statement.
Climate Justice Fellows Join the Team
The funding builds on Fordham’s growing leadership in climate and environmental justice. In addition to the New York Power Authority grant, the University welcomed three Climate Justice Fellows from local communities this week, supported through a program from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
The fellows—Leandra Manon, climate communications and marketing fellow; Michelle Bautista, climate curriculum fellow; and Samuel Adeleye, climate community engagement fellow—are supporting operational planning for the Bronx Green Jobs Center and advancing climate-related community outreach alongside Fordham’s Center for Community Engaged Learning.
The Climate Justice Fellowship is a full-time, 12-month program designed to create career opportunities for young adults from communities disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental injustice. Participants must reside in New York’s 14th Congressional District, represented by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who pushed for the program’s creation.
A Green Jobs Hub in Fordham’s Backyard
The Bronx Green Jobs Center is a state-of-the-art regional hub for clean energy workforce development that will occupy a renovated, 12,000-square-foot, former industrial building on East Fordham Road. Scheduled to open its doors in fall 2026, the center will train community members in green sectors like solar installation, electric vehicle infrastructure, and energy efficiency technologies. It will also serve as a community anchor supporting entrepreneurship in sustainable industries.
