Our new mentorship program is building the next generation of climate leaders!
Published on March 25, 2026
Building pathways to green careers
Urban Green Council’s Mentorship Program is cultivating the next generation of climate leaders. Launched in 2025, the program connects young adults aged 16-24 from historically underrepresented communities to growing career opportunities in green building and clean energy. Delivered in partnership with Rising Stars and RiseBoro Community Partnership, this initiative pairs young adults with sustainability professionals to expand access to meaningful careers in green building.
As New York City accelerates toward a decarbonized future, this program helps open doors to the growing opportunities within the green building and clean energy sectors. Following a successful pilot year in 2025, the program will continue with a second cohort in 2026. We’re excited to build on this strong foundation and look forward to expanding the program in the years ahead.
About the program
New York City’s buildings are rapidly transforming. From electrification and energy efficiency to building performance standards like Local Law 97, the demand for skilled green professionals is growing rapidly.
Our mentorship program helps young people, many of whom have limited exposure to sustainability careers, gain real-world insight into this expanding industry. Over several months, mentors and mentees engage in structured one-on-one sessions focused on:
- Career exploration and goal-setting
- Professional skill development
- Expanding networks within the green building field
- Strengthening confidence and leadership capacity
Our pilot year in 2025 was a strong success, bringing together 10 mentor–mentee pairs and laying a solid foundation for growth. By the end of the program, 3 mentees had secured jobs or internships in clean energy!
Mentors and mentees
Mentees bring curiosity, drive and lived experience. They explore career pathways across engineering, building operations, construction, architecture, policy, urban planning and community development. Along the way, they gain practical tools like networking strategies, resume refinement, public speaking practice and workplace communication skills that prepare them to step confidently into internships, training programs and jobs.
Just as importantly, mentees join a supportive cohort of peers and industry professionals. Many participants cite relationships and a sense of belonging as among one of the most powerful aspects of the program.
“I really value having guidance, support, and someone who helped me grow personally and professionally” – Ronald Nedd, Mentee
“Mentoring always reminds me that I have built-in advantages and can open doors for mentees that are otherwise excluded from opportunity” – Kevin Davis, Mentor
Our mentors represent a wide range of sustainability and building-related professions. They share their career journeys, provide individualized guidance and help mentees envision their place in the green building movement.
Together, mentors and mentees are not just preparing for green careers; they are shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
The result is more than exposure, it’s momentum!
Our partners
This program is made possible through the collaboration of partners who bring deep community roots, industry expertise and a shared commitment to equitable climate solutions.
Con Edison serves as a founding funder and strategic partner, helping expand equitable access to New York City’s growing green workforce.
RiseBoro Community Partnership connects Brooklyn youth and families to education, workforce and economic empowerment opportunities. With decades of experience serving thousands of young people, RiseBoro plays a critical role in recruiting and supporting mentees and helping remove barriers to participation.
Rising Stars bridges the gap between the construction industry and the next generation of skilled workers through training, exposure and employment pathways. A nationally recognized program offered in six cities across the U.S., Rising Stars brings deep industry connections and workforce development expertise to the program.
And special thanks to Champlain Hudson Power Express and Hydro-Québec for their program support!