High School for Sustainability - Spring

This capstone project develops a comprehensive strategic plan for the creation of a High School for Sustainability (HSS) within the New York City Department of Education (DOE). Positioned within the broader context of PlaNYC and the DOE Sustainability Initiative, the report addresses the need to integrate sustainability education into urban public schooling while improving academic outcomes and career readiness. The analysis highlights the scale and environmental footprint of the NYC school system, emphasizing its potential to serve as a platform for systemic change. The proposed HSS is designed to combine traditional academic standards with sustainability-focused curricula, including STEM-based learning, career and technical education, and experiential programming that connects students to real-world environmental challenges.

The implementation strategy is structured around four pillars—Educate, Innovate, Advocate, and Create—each supported by specific programmatic and operational recommendations. The plan outlines curriculum development, green facility design, stakeholder engagement, and institutional partnerships as key components of successful execution. It also provides a roadmap for navigating the DOE’s new school application process, establishing leadership structures, and securing funding and partnerships. Performance management systems and milestone timelines are incorporated to ensure accountability and scalability. By aligning educational innovation with sustainability objectives, the project positions the HSS as a replicable model for integrating environmental literacy, workforce development, and urban policy priorities within public education systems.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone Workshop.