NJDEP Youth Inclusion Initiative

Empowering the Next Generation:

2026 NJDEP Youth Inclusion Initiative

This summer, the Stevens Center for Sustainability (SCS) continued its partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Youth Inclusion Initiative (YII), welcoming a new cohort of students for a six-week program focused on environmental education, professional development, community engagement, and hands-on sustainability work.

Throughout the program, participants gained exposure to environmental careers and sustainability issues while working alongside Stevens faculty, staff, NJDEP professionals, and community partners. Students took part in educational and professional development activities designed to build their knowledge, strengthen career readiness, and provide a closer look at opportunities in environmental and sustainability-related fields.

A major focus of the 2026 program was a stormwater drain survey, cleaning, and beautification project in Newark. Students worked across the city’s East, South, and West Wards, surveying storm drains in flood-prone areas, removing debris and litter, and helping improve the visibility of stormwater infrastructure through educational artwork and awareness messages. The project connected environmental education with direct community action while giving students experience in teamwork, field research, sustainability, and public outreach.

The cohort also participated in a college-readiness panel at Stevens Institute of Technology, where students learned more about the college experience and had the opportunity to ask questions about applications, choosing a major, managing time, balancing academics and extracurricular activities, and using campus resources such as tutoring, writing centers, career services, and student organizations. Panelists included Justin Safner, August Rose, Anthony Palanti, and Sarah Taouafe, who shared their experiences and advice with the students.

The 2026 cohort included Abdelrahman Ghalab, Anni Galvan, Delfino Diaz, Fran Garcia, Isabella Capisch, Jonathan Estrada, Matthew Chapin, Rafie Gunawan, Shyne Garcia, and Zainabou Jallow. SCS also recognizes the Stevens team that supported the program, including Vaishali Kushwaha, Khalid Mustafa, Mohamed Mogahed, and Sarah Taouafe, whose mentorship and guidance helped make the students’ experience possible.

The 2026 YII program once again demonstrated the value of collaboration between state agencies, universities, and local communities. Through environmental fieldwork, professional development, college preparation, and community-based projects, students were able to build new skills while contributing directly to sustainability efforts in New Jersey.