Key Programs & Initiatives
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Tree Ambassador Program
This is one of OEA’s flagship initiatives aimed at building career pathways in urban forestry. This program was initially funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and is designed to train and employ Tree Ambassadors to manage tree plantings and green infrastructure projects in urban areas like Trenton, NJ.
The program provides participants with hands-on experience in urban tree planting, maintenance, and green infrastructure projects. Tree Ambassadors are trained in conservation, environmental science and urban forestry, with a focus on communities of color. The program will continue to expand between 2025 and 2027, with additional Tree Ambassadors being hired and more projects being launched.
Careers in Conservation Program
In this program, high school and college students engage in environmental education and career exploration. In conjunction with local schools in Mercer County (public, private and charter), the program seeks to establish conservation clubs and environmental career pathways.
In 2025, OEA will launch a pilot phase of the program in three high schools: Hopewell HS, Ewing HS, and Trenton Central HS. The program will demonstrate how environmental career programs can be successfully implemented in different contexts, including rural, suburban, and urban schools. In its full rollout, the program will expand to additional schools and will provide participants with scholarships, field experiences, and mentorship opportunities in environmental careers.
OEA Fellowship Program
Starting in September 2025, OEA will launch a three-year program in partnership with Mercer County Community College (MCCC). The fellowship will provide selected students full tuition coverage, paid work experiences, health insurance and mentorship in environmental fields. Fellows will work on community-based environmental projects: gaining hands-on experience in conservation, green infrastructure and environmental policy.
The fellowship program will focus on preparing students for careers in the conservation industry, further emphasizing OEA’s commitment to creating pathways for students from socially and economically marginalized communities.
City Roots Program
Formerly Agrihood Program
This initiative focuses on urban agriculture and conservation by providing youth in Trenton, NJ hands-on experience in farming, food justice and environmental sustainability. Initially developed to expose students to rural farms, the program was reimagined to focus entirely on urban agriculture, making it more accessible for students from urban communities.
City Roots partners with organizations like NOFA NJ (Northeast Organic Farmers Association) and MCCC, to teach students about sustainable agriculture, food security and conservation within the urban context of Mercer County. This program will create future leaders in urban agriculture while addressing food access issues and promoting environmental equity.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
OEA thrives on its strong relationships with local schools, community organizations and environmental groups. Partnerships with institutions like Mercer County Community College, UpWard Bound, East Trenton Collaborative, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, The Watershed Institute, Isles, New Jersey Tree Foundation, Audubon of New Jersey and more, allow OEA to leverage additional resources and expertise to enhance its programming.
OEA works closely with local governments, such as the City of Trenton and Mercer County, to implement community-based conservation projects and advocate for environmental justice.
Regarding advocacy, OEA is increasingly focused on engaging with public policy and community-based decision-making processes to ensure marginalized communities are represented in environmental planning and outdoor equity discussions.
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