SUNY ESF and Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Connect Bronx Students to College-Level Environmental Science Education and Stewardship Experiences

07/21/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — July 22, 2026 — Building on a successful partnership, the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) and the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA) are continuing to invest in the next generation of environmental leaders through the Garden 2 Market and Urban Ecology Teen Internship programs. These transformative initiatives provide Bronx high school students with immersive experiences in environmental science, ecological restoration, urban agriculture, and college-level learning.

Through hands-on work in Van Cortlandt Park, the programs have helped generations of students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue higher education and careers in environmental and green-sector fields.

Through this collaboration, the College’s ESF in the High School program will continue to provide academic enrichment and college-connected experiences that complement field-based learning in Van Cortlandt Park. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to environmental education and preparing students from urban communities for future studies and careers in sustainability, conservation, and natural resource management.

“ESF’s partnership with the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when educational institutions and community organizations work together,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “Our collaboration with the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance helps connect students with hands-on environmental learning and college-level experiences that encourage exploration of future educational and career pathways.”

“Every year, we see Bronx students grow in confidence as they gain hands-on experience restoring natural areas and cultivating our Learning Garden, exploring environmental careers, and developing a deeper understanding of the ecosystems in their own communities," said Christina Taylor, deputy director, Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. “SUNY ESF has been an invaluable partner in that journey, helping students realize that college and careers in environmental science are within reach. As an ESF alum, I am proud to introduce future generations to the college that helped guide my career.”

Since 2012, interns from both programs have worked alongside environmental professionals and park staff to improve the ecological health of Van Cortlandt Park while developing leadership, teamwork, and scientific inquiry skills. The Urban Ecology Teen Internship engages students in hands-on restoration projects, field studies, and career exploration activities; the Garden 2 Market Internship introduces interns to gardening, food justice issues and business skills.

The partnership with ESF strengthens the educational impact of the program by exposing participants to college-level environmental science concepts and helping them envision futures in STEM and environmental professions. Students gain a deeper understanding of ecology, biodiversity, climate resilience, and urban natural resource management while building confidence in their academic abilities. 

“VCPA internships show students that environmental science is not something that only happens in a classroom or laboratory — it's happening in their communities every day,” said Daniel Collins, associate director of ESF in the High School. “Through our partnership with the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, students gain meaningful field experience, college-level learning opportunities, and the confidence to see themselves as future environmental professionals. Programs like this are essential to building the next generation of environmental leaders.”

As demand for environmental professionals continues to grow, VCPA’s internships serve as a model for connecting youth with practical learning experiences that address real-world environmental challenges. Through fieldwork, mentorship, and academic engagement, students gain the tools needed to become informed stewards of their communities and contributors to a more sustainable future.

To learn more about ESF in the High School programming and partnership opportunities, contact Collins at [email protected]. For more information about Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and its educational, stewardship, and community programs, visit https://vancortlandt.org/.

 About SUNY ESF 

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study, and conduct research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across New York state.

About Van Cortlandt Park Alliance 

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance preserves, supports, and promotes the ecological, recreational, and historical value of Van Cortlandt Park in partnership with NYC Parks. Through environmental education, stewardship, restoration, and community engagement programs, VCPA works to ensure that the park remains a thriving resource for New York City residents.