From our August Newsletter, by Keisha Benjamin, Development Sr. Associate
IN THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER
- We’re celebrating the impact of hands-on climate education and the partnerships that help move New York’s clean energy future forward.
- Inspiring the next generation of climate leaders through our summer camps to connecting with energy leaders and expanding our clean energy expertise.
- Showing how Solar One is creating opportunities for learning, collaboration, and action!
SUCCESSFUL SUMMER CAMP SEASON FOR THE ENERGY ACADEMY
This summer, Solar One launched two summer camps for elementary school children in partnership with National Grid, the Greenpoint YMCA in Brooklyn and Onondaga Community College in Syracuse. Throughout the week, campers explored renewable energy, energy efficiency, circuits, energy storage, and other climate solutions through experiments, design challenges, field experiences, arts-based activities, and conversations with energy professionals.
These hands-on experiences give young people the opportunity to see themselves as future climate leaders while building the knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills needed to understand and address environmental challenges. Our Energy Academy Summer Camps were a huge success and we hope to expand our education program offerings next year!
CONNECTING ACROSS NEW YORK’S CLEAN ENERGY LANDSCAPE WITH NYSERDA
Members of the Here Comes Solar team attended the NYSERDA Annual Hubs Meeting in White Plains, NY in August. Solar One is a partner on the Bronx and Brooklyn Energy Hub, and the Annual Hubs Meeting was a great opportunity to meet and share ideas with different NYSERDA Clean Energy Hubs from across New York State. Two team members also participated in a week-long Passive House training to further develop the team’s understanding of energy efficiency in buildings through design and construction.
These connections are essential to keeping Solar One engaged with the leaders, organizations, and emerging practices shaping New York’s clean energy landscape. By strengthening our industry knowledge and relationships while staying informed about statewide energy policies and building practices, HCS can continue helping New Yorkers access practical, affordable, and equitable clean energy solutions.
POWER THE POSSIBILITIES WITH A SOLAR ONE MEMBERSHIP
With the support of our donors we are now launching the new Solar One Membership Program to help sustain one of New York City’s most impactful environmental education programs and bring more community events to NYC’s first waterfront native plant park. By joining today, your membership supports Solar One’s work to advance clean energy accessibility, climate education, green workforce development, the stewardship of green spaces, and opportunities to join networking and public events that encourage action towards a healthier, more resilient city.
As a Solar One member, you can enjoy exclusive experiences, discounted events, early access to programs, exclusive park guides and STEM activity kits, and opportunities to engage more deeply with the people, projects, and ideas shaping a greener New York City. Throughout the year, members will receive invitations to networking events, expert-led discussions, park volunteer leader training, sustainability workshops, and unique experiences with community partners and local climate leaders, all while supporting Solar One’s mission to build a more resilient and equitable future. Sign up here!
SAVE THE DATE FOR SOLAR ONE’S GALA
On September 30, 2026, Solar One will host its annual fall fundraiser, Possibilities in Motion: An Evening to Celebrate Progress, Together. Join us in this elevated experience designed to bring our supporters, partners, and community leaders for storytelling, connecting, and investing in what comes next in the future of sustainability.
Building on the momentum of our July 3 community activation and our shared commitment to “Powering the Possibilities,” the gala will spotlight the people and programs powering Solar One’s impact across K–12 environmental education, green workforce development, and renewable energy access. We invite our community of changemakers to reflect, collaborate, and mobilize for the future of sustainability by sponsoring “Possibilities in Motion.” Click here for more information on sponsorship, tickets and benefits.
YOUR PERFECT OCCASION STARTS AT THE BRANT
While our Environmental Education Center operates as a beacon for classroom learning and community enrichment, it’s also serves as The Brant Event Space. Offering a memorable place to host your next special moment with stunning views of the East River and the Brooklyn and Queens waterfronts in New York City.
Learn more and start planning your event
UPCOMING EVENTS WITH SOLAR ONE & FRIENDS
Stargazing on the High Line
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/01/stargazing-on-the-high-line
Summer on the Hudson: Climate Film Festival
Thursday, September 3, 2026
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/03/summer-on-the-hudson-climate-film-festival
Summer on the Hudson: Billion Oyster Project Presentation
Saturday, September 5, 2026
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/05/summer-on-the-hudson-billion-oyster-project-presentation
Nature Exploration: Urban Wildlife
Saturday, September 5, 2026 https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/05/nature-exploration-urban-wildlife
Team River Volunteers
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/09/team-river-volunteers
Nature Talks at Bryant Park Reading Room: Environmental History
Friday, September 11, 2026
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/11/nature-talks-at-bryant-park-reading-room-environmental-histo
Fishing Series: Femme Fishing
Saturday, September 12, 2026
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/12/fishing-series-femme-fishing
Fall Birding
Sunday, September 13, 2026
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/13/fall-birding
Birding: Fall Migration
Saturday, September 19, 2026
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/19/birding-fall-migration
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
Saturday, September 19, 2026
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/19/fantastic-fungi-mushroom-id-hike
About Solar One
Solar One is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to design and deliver innovative education, training, and technical assistance that fosters sustainability and resiliency in diverse urban environments. Solar One facilitates learning that changes the way people think about energy, sustainability, and resilience by engaging diverse program participants across NYC boroughs. Programs help individuals and communities explore new ways of living and working that are more adaptive to a climate-change impacted world. Learn more at solar1.org.
Solar One Media Contact
Daphne Aquije, daphne@solar1.org
