Clean Hudson Program

Clean Hudson Initiative

Welcome to the Clean Hudson Initiative! This program is a cornerstone of our Environmental Justice (EJ) efforts, uniting the expertise and resources of a non-profit entity, a distinguished higher education institution, and local government agencies. Together, we are dedicated to addressing water pollution in Hudson County through a holistic approach that includes education, community cleanups, and workforce development training. 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) program generously funds this transformative partnership.

To learn more about each of our valued partners and specific initiatives, please explore the Partner Tabs section of our website.

About the EPA's EJG2G Program

The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government program provides funding at the state, local, territorial, and tribal levels to support activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health improvements in communities disproportionately impacted by environmental harms. 

What is Environmental Justice?

According to the EPA, environmental justice is defined as: 
“The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” 

Fair treatment ensures that no group of people disproportionately bears the negative environmental consequences of industrial, governmental, or commercial operations or policies. 

Meaningful involvement ensures that individuals can make decisions that affect their environment and health. Regulatory agencies will actively consider public contributions, incorporate community concerns into decision-making processes, and seek to involve those most impacted.

Why Hudson County?

Historically, New Jersey’s low-income communities and communities of color have faced a disproportionate number of environmental and public health stressors. Pollution from industrial, commercial, and governmental facilities in these areas has led to increased adverse health outcomes such as:

Asthma
Cancer
Elevated blood lead levels
Cardiovascular disease
Developmental disorders

The Clean Hudson Initiative is committed to addressing these disparities through collaborative, action-oriented strategies.

For Students

The Clean Hudson Initiative provides students with an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience in environmental and stormwater quality management. Through this program, participants acquire essential skills and knowledge to excel in environmental careers, with a strong focus on preparing a skilled workforce for green infrastructure (GI) projects. 

Building a Skilled Green Workforce

The initiative places particular emphasis on equipping participants with the expertise to construct, inspect, and maintain GI systems in alignment with recognized industry standards. This serves as a crucial entry point for those aiming to join the expanding green workforce, enabling them to secure meaningful employment and achieve economic stability. 

Key program benefits include:
  • A curriculum tailored to support rigorous professional standards in green infrastructure. 
  • Opportunities for professional development for those already engaged in GI-related fields. 
  • Workforce development initiatives aimed at fostering expertise in stormwater management and GI practices. 
  • A focus on impartiality, fairness, and continuous program improvement to maintain high-quality outcomes. 

This program is ideal for individuals seeking to make a positive environmental impact while pursuing a rewarding career in the growing field of green infrastructure.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The Clean Hudson Program offers participants valuable hands-on experiences through activities designed to develop skills and promote environmental stewardship. These opportunities allow participants to actively engage in environmental restoration and sustainability efforts, preparing them to lead in creating a healthier and cleaner future.

Career Readiness and Opportunities

Students who complete this program are equipped with industry-leading certifications that open doors to various career paths, including: 

  • Environmental engineering
  • Stormwater quality management
  • Sediment and erosion control consulting
  • Urban planning and green infrastructure
  • Environmental compliance and inspection roles 

In addition to certification, participants can benefit from:

  1. Training workshops: Gain practical skills and insights through interactive sessions.
  2. Webinars and resources: Access exclusive study materials and online learning platforms.
  3. Mentorship and networking: Connect with professionals and organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability.

Our Partners

The Clean Hudson Initiative is made possible through the collaboration of the following partners:

Hudson County Improvement Authority  
Hudson County Division of Planning  
Hackensack Riverkeeper

We are grateful for their support and commitment to improving environmental health in Hudson County.

Additional Resources and Links

We encourage you to explore these links to learn more about the program, its goals, and how it can help shape a sustainable future for Hudson County and beyond.

Join the Clean Hudson Initiative!

Are you passionate about creating a healthier, cleaner future for our communities? The Clean Hudson Initiative is more than just a program—it’s a movement. We’re bringing together students, community members, and organizations to make a lasting impact on the environment while preparing the next generation of leaders in environmental justice and management.

Act today! Collaborate, learn, and lead the way toward a cleaner Hudson County.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

 

Contact Information

School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development
161 Newkirk Street, Suite E504
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 360-5327