For Immediate Release: December 2, 2024
Media Contact: Lisa Thomas, lisa@alignny.org, (347) 415-6431
Mayor Adams’ Green High School Internships
Are a Great First Step but Fail to See the Bigger Picture
New York, NY – In response to Mayor Adams and Chancellor Aviles-Ramos’ announcement of expanded internships and climate industry skill building for NYC high school students, ALIGN (The Alliance for a Greater New York) released the following statement:
“Today, Mayor Adams announced expanded paid internships for NYC high schoolers, including new coursework pathways for HVAC and decarbonization — essential pieces of our transition to a renewable energy economy.
It’s a great first step, but time and time again, our Mayor fails to step back and see the bigger picture. Without green job creation, union apprenticeship opportunities, and an equitable plan to urgently decarbonize and upgrade ventilation in our public schools themselves, these programs risk being a smokescreen for the comprehensive solutions our climate crisis demands. NYC must invest in Green, Healthy Schools, make green energy upgrades to our aging infrastructure, and use union labor starting in environmental justice communities to give students a safe and healthy learning environment and real opportunity for their futures,” said Jenille Scott, ALIGN Climate Director.
About ALIGN
ALIGN (Alliance for a Greater New York) brings together labor, climate, and community organizations for a more just, sustainable New York. Working at the intersection of economic and climate justice, ALIGN builds coalitions with those most impacted and uplifts worker and community voices to fight for dignity in the workplace and a just path to a renewable energy economy for all.
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