TSO motivates high school and intermediate school students to organize and participate in environmental improvement projects in their neighborhoods, schools, and homes.

The goals of TSO are to make students (grades 6-12) more aware of environmental issues, help them develop a sense of themselves as individuals capable of effective citizenship and motivate them to deliver services to the city.

TSO teaches participating students about specific environmental issues -- water, energy, solid waste, noise, etc. and engenders citizenship skills: needs assessment, public speaking, letter writing, knowledge of how city government functions, etc.

Students are prepared for the future by their development of both stewardship skills and academic knowledge in science, math and social studies.

TSO is still unique in environmental education because it engages students in learning and acting on a broad range of environmental issues and services across an area from Jamaica, Queens to the Catskill Mountains. Students plant trees, get the city to fix broken fire hydrants and sidewalks, work with the transit authority to lower noise on the trains, educate others about eating healthy, locally grown food and conserving energy, etc.

The program is funded primarily by private funds, although we do receive some government grants, contracts and budget items.

The TSO program has spawned hundreds of students who have gone on to become involved in green projects in their own neighborhoods, study environmental science in college and graduate school, pursue green careers and simply participate more in the life of their communities.

"I really feel our project made a difference in our community, and that by doing these projects I am a better citizen. TSO changed my outlook on the city and the environment"

2005 TSO Participant