Joanne Sciulli

Joanne received her Bachelor's degree from Barnard College in 1992 and Master of Environmental Studies from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in 1996. With an interest in environmental justice, she realized her professional niche could combine her three passions - children, cities and the environment. The Echoing Green Fellowship she received in 1997 gave her a nest-egg of funds to try out some of her ideas for providing positive youth development opportunities and supports to New Haven’s low income youth through environmental education. This work turned into Solar Youth, Inc., which she still runs today! Solar Youth provides opportunities and supports for New Haven youth to develop a positive sense of self and connection and commitment to others. This is done through programs that incorporate environmental exploration, community service, and leadership development. Over 500 youth are enrolled each year, served by a full time staff of 8. Solar Youth's current vision for growth is to replicate their "Neighborhood Model." This model is based on the belief that to have a truly transformational impact on the lives of youth, there needs to be regular, consistent contact, starting at an early age, with programs that meet the varying needs of youth in a community, and that provide opportunities for increased leadership over time. This spring, in addition to continuing our city-wide programming in partnership with schools, we are expanding to our second neighborhood.