Greening Camden: Educating, Empowering, and Enriching Communities for Climate Action and Cleaner Air

The Rowan University Department of Geography, Planning & Sustainability (GPS) Greening Camden program is a transformative initiative that redefines environmental planning as a community learning process—one that educates, empowers, and unites residents to co-create a healthier, more sustainable city. Supported by the U.S. EPA’s Environmental Education Program and the TD Bank–sponsored Green Jobs Academy, the project bridges urban planning, environmental science, and civic engagement to address air quality, climate resilience, and environmental justice across Camden City.

The Green Jobs Academy sponsored a successful Greening Camden Citizen Science Air Quality Monitoring summer program with GPS, where Camden residents were trained in collecting and analyzing local air quality data and emerged with new skills and expanded environmental literacy. Green Jobs Academy has also collaborated with GPS to sponsor Rowan student internships.

The New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association proudly recognized the Greening Camden program with the Outstanding Community Engagement Award. This program exemplifies the power of thoughtful planning to strengthen communities across the state. See the full story at njplanning.org.