Each year, Rockland P.L.U.S. engages approximately 300 students from 10-12 high schools throughout Rockland County in a series of three hands-on classroom workshops held January through March. Students consider the health of the environment and the needs of their community as they plan for the redevelopment of a local site in a way that promotes a balance of Social connections, Economic opportunity, Environmental sensitivity, and Equitable access to natural and community resources (S.E.E.E.). The students’ vision for redevelopment is incorporated into a presentation that is shared at the program’s culminating symposium. In 2021 and 2022, those presentations were created and shared on Google Earth, one of the exciting new tools first employed during the pandemic when RPLUS was successfully run at a distance.

The Rockland PLUS symposium brings 150 selected students from participating high schools together to share their knowledge and ideas. It is a special opportunity for students to consider the perspectives of peers from schools across the county and begin to understand the unique needs and the common challenges of their communities.

At the symposium, student groups from each school deliver presentations on their redevelopment plan to one or two local professionals volunteering as mentors for the day. There are over 40 professionals who participate as mentors and facilitators at the symposium.

After an introduction to a new site in Rockland, students work in small, mixed-school groups to collaboratively plan for the redevelopment of the site. They then present their collaborative plan to all symposium participants. In 2023, the students and their mentors will once again explore redevelopment ideas for the former chair factory site in the Village of Haverstraw in a way that supports the Village’s vision for a sustainable place to Work, Live, Shop.

After three years of virtual accommodations, the RPLUS team is excited to be bringing students and adults together again on March 31, 2023 for the culminating symposium at St. Thomas Aquinas College.

Rockland P.L.U.S. inspires students to explore exciting new possibilities in sustainable development and personal growth. Many students are moved to help protect the environment by becoming more engaged in school and community environmental programs. Rockland P.L.U.S. also exposes students to environmental-related careers. Several students over the years have reported plans to pursue a degree in environmental studies and/or planning as a result of their participation in Rockland P.L.U.S. Regardless, all students become better informed consumers who can make choices that will protect the environment and sustainable communities for all.

• Clarkstown North
• Clarkstown South
• North Rockland
• Pearl River
• Suffern

While the 2020 Rockland P.L.U.S. Symposium had to be cancelled, all schools participating in the program were able to complete the three classroom workshops and students had begun developing their poster presentations. We are proud to share these posters from the students at Nyack and Albertus Magnus High Schools, which were undergoing final revisions when schools were closed.  They illustrate the students’ thoughtful, fresh ideas for sustainable development that addresses the environmental, as well as social and economic needs of the local and wider community. Community planners take note!

From a student:

“The culmination of the work we put in on ways to improve our own community is satisfying. Knowing you can do something in our own backyard is an exciting thought. I felt empowered as a student.”

From mentoring professionals:

“Real world experience that provokes thought beyond the obvious. This was a great event and am honored to have been invited.”

“It was the perfect example of giving and respecting youth voice in community matters. I felt it was designed to put a spotlight on how youth workers can shine a spotlight on the thinking and involvement of young people.”

“This is always the best community event I participate in. Great job.”

To learn more about this program & find lesson plans and resource materials from the program:  http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/edu/plus/