Allentown, In The Valley

City of Allentown Announces Second Round of Youth Climate Action Fund Recipients



City of Allentown Announces Second Round of Youth Climate Action Fund Recipients

May 23, 2025 – The City of Allentown is excited to announce the second round of awardees for its Youth Climate Action Fund. This initiative, supported by a $100,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, empowers young people aged 15–24 to design and lead climate action projects that make a meaningful impact in their community.

The Round 2 selection committee has awarded grants to 15 new youth-led projects, each receiving funding of up to $5,000. These creative and community-rooted efforts span education, environmental stewardship, public art, sustainability, and advocacy.

Round 2 Award Recipients:

  • Allentown School District Tree Equity at STREAM Academy – $3,318

Educates students and families on the value of trees through hands-on learning, native sapling distribution, and interactive environmental activities during the school’s annual block party.

  • Boys and Girls Club of Allentown BGCA Bike and Walk Campaign – $3,150

A teen-led campaign featuring a park clean-up, tree planting, and public outreach to promote biking and walking as environmentally friendly alternatives.

  • Communities in Schools Trexler Middle School Outdoor Classroom – $5,000

Partners with Lehigh University to transform green space into an engaging outdoor classroom that promotes environmental learning and stewardship.

  • Community Bike Works Free Community Bike Tune-Up Day – $5,000

Youth mechanics host a citywide bike repair event promoting sustainability and access to healthy, emission-free transportation.

  • Holy District Brethren in Christ Church Garden City Green Space Revitalization – $5,000 Converts a vacant space into a green gathering spot for youth-led education and stewardship with a focus on gardening and climate action.
  • Juan Sanchez Baseball League Manos Que Reciclan, Mundo Que Respira – $5,000 Young artists will create recycled-material art installations that raise awareness about climate change and recycling.
  • Generational Guidance Reworked Goods – $5,000

A community upcycling initiative that teaches youth and families to transform used clothing into new garments, reducing textile waste and fast fashion’s environmental impact.

  • Movement Moves Media Environmental Spoken Word and Live Performances – $5,000

A youth-led spoken word and music project that will culminate in a three-stop performance tour in downtown Allentown.

  • Muhlenberg College Beyond Books – $5,000

Students will design and distribute sustainability-focused lending kits through the Allentown Public Library, guided by community feedback.

  • Muhlenberg College Radical Hospitality – White Oak Grove – $5,000

Establishes a new oak grove on campus as a welcoming green space for community members and local wildlife, emphasizing inclusivity and ecological restoration.

  • Nurture Nature Center Amirah’s Hope Organization – $4,300

Implements AI-powered hydroponic systems and youth training programs in sustainable agriculture and environmental technology.

  • Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley Youth Environmental Stewardship Initiative – $5,000 Offers hands-on service opportunities for youth in urban agriculture and environmental conservation.
  • Valley Youth House Know Your Soil: Urban and Indoor Gardening at Home – $5,000 Provides workshops and tools to help youth and families test, improve, and maintain healthy soil while learning how to grow food at home.
  • West End Park Civic Association West Park Pollinators and YOU! – $5,000

A youth-led pollinator garden project in West Park that incorporates environmental education, placards, and QR codes for interactive community learning.

All funded projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, and additional award announcements are expected in the coming months.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Genesis Ortega
http://www.AllentownPA.gov