### **Justice 40 Opportunity Navigator**

In 2023, RiverWise, together with New Sun Rising, launched the Justice 40 Opportunity Navigator. This new program is designed to support environmental justice communities to access funding and effectively implement projects.

The Justice 40 Opportunity Navigator is a project of RiverWise and [New Sun Rising](https://www.newsunrising.org/). Together, we are working alongside federally designated environmental justice communities to gain greater access to funding that improves community health, climate resilience, and economic opportunity.

Justice 40 Opportunity Navigator

A Guide to Community Benefits

### We Believe Storytelling Is Critical To Environmental Justice

Since 2018, RiverWise has been engaged in progressively more visible and sophisticated environmental justice storytelling projects. Along the way, we have developed a growing collection of storytelling assets that shed light on environmental justice issues, leaders, and projects throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. On the page below you will find highlights from that work. You can dig in further on our [YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@RiverWise/videos), or view content through the following playlists.

[Justice 40 Opportunity Navigator](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE_iAE8fKKGGhf_iqbHjoIy2hOW3Gue3H)

[East Palestine Train Derailment](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE_iAE8fKKGGXSXUBKrzxl9Xvdhh3KiEx)

[Shell - One Year On](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE_iAE8fKKGFTHdCNP1xTFbT3mwyMk9oe&si=FjXQ_4QXv7QsIkUU)

[RISE Project - Rural Innovation through Solar Empowerment](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE_iAE8fKKGEBXi4WAxVBMSHd7CYR9G3q)

[Summer Sustainability Institute](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE_iAE8fKKGE90OJbToexUaiaXBCJeOHX&si=p-MXwiGMtI2NIa1H)

[Shell Environmental Mitigation Fund](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE_iAE8fKKGFJ6hnstNeMyEhx25-5NA0J)

[Boom & Bust Documentary](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE_iAE8fKKGG4dPS3k1Q8SZ6EEATW8T9j)

[Beyond Rust](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE_iAE8fKKGEKH1AoPVn4hqF1-GRI6vFW)

These storytelling efforts are part of a broader series of commitments RiverWise has made to encouraging and highlighting environmental justice efforts throughout the region. Learn more about our [Justice 40 Opportunity Navigator](https://www.getriverwise.com/justice-40-opportunity-navigator) project, in partnership with New Sun Rising.

### Watch An Intro Video For Each Of Our Storytelling Projects

SWPA Environmental Storytelling Project

The RISE Project: Federal Funding Creates Local Energy Innovation

**About The Summer Sustainability Institute:** The Summer Sustainability Institute (SSI) is a fun, immersive, hands-on summer program for high school students in Beaver County. The program is an educational experience in sustainability and community development and meets generally twice per week at various locations around Beaver County. These meetings will introduce students to exciting and innovative organizations and initiatives in the region that exist at the intersection of community and sustainability. 

Intended to provide both a local and global introduction to the issues of sustainable development and leadership, this program offers a unique opportunity for students who wish to become more aware of how to be leaders for change in their community and beyond. 

**Watch to learn more:** Visit our collection of SSI videos on [**YouTube**](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE_iAE8fKKGE90OJbToexUaiaXBCJeOHX) to see the program in action.

**Partners:** Some of our previous nonprofit and municipal partners include the following: Neighborhood North: Museum of Play, Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community (BCMAC), Three Rivers Water Keeper and Allegheny Clean Ways, Crop and Kettle, Uncommon Grounds Cafe, The Genesis Collective, the city of Beaver Falls, the Beaver Falls Community Development Corporation, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Communicycle, and others.

**Registration for the 2024 program is now open! REGISTER HERE:** [**https://tinyurl.com/RiverwiseSSI24**](https://tinyurl.com/RiverwiseSSI24)

**Qualities of the Ideal Candidate:** High school aged students interested in learning about building stronger communities, community development, sustainability, environmental responsibility, and other related topics. The ideal candidate should have an interest in receiving real world exposure to environmental, economic, and social justice work being done in Beaver County, western PA, and beyond.

**Requirements:** Eligible students must be a Beaver County student who has just completed 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. 

**Cost:** Free!

**Program Benefits:** All students who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion, a customized letter of recommendation, and a $250 stipend. 

Students will also be introduced to a wide and growing network of leaders, organizations, and employers who are engaged in sustainable community development efforts throughout Beaver County and beyond.

**Further Program Dates and Details:** The program will be held at various locations between July 10 and Aug. 7, with 9 total meetings on each Wednesday and Friday.

**Deadline:** The application deadline is until June 15. Simple registration is available [**here**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnx16KuAitpIngDqI_VHrvA3NjTad36iVCwKjD7o3zPIKfqA/viewform?usp=sf_link)**.**

**The following schedule has not been finalized and could change.** _**A finalized schedule will be available later in June.**_

<table><tbody><tr><td>DATE/TIME</td><td>LOCATION</td><td>TOPIC/PARTNER</td></tr><tr><td>Wednesday, July 1010 AM to 2 PM</td><td>The Greenhouse Lab801 Franklin AvenueAliquippa, PA</td><td>Welcome! Introduction to Sustainability and Community Development</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, July 1210 AM to 3 PM</td><td>Location TBD</td><td>Team Building and Togetherness Activity</td></tr><tr><td>Wednesday, July 1710 AM to 3 PM</td><td>Monaca Boat Launch</td><td>Water and Air Quality: Experiential Learning</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, July 1910 AM to 3 PM</td><td>Falls ParkBeaver Falls, PA</td><td>Community Development: Experiential Learning</td></tr><tr><td>Wednesday, July 2410 AM to 3 PM</td><td>Aliquippa, PA</td><td>Agriculture and Equity with Crop and Kettle</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, July 2610 AM to 3 PM</td><td>Bradys Run Park</td><td>Tree Planting with Reforest Our Future&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Wednesday, July 3110 AM to 3 PM</td><td>Monaca, PA</td><td>Clean Energy Discussion and Net-Zero Home Tour</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, August 210 AM to 3 PM</td><td>TBD</td><td>Mobility Activity: Experiential Learning</td></tr><tr><td>Wednesday, August 710 AM to 3 PM</td><td>The Greenhouse Lab801 Franklin AvenueAliquippa, PA</td><td>Final Discussion</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, August 9Time TBD</td><td>Location TBD</td><td>Final event *OPTIONAL*Kayaking with Outdoor Immersion</td></tr></tbody></table>

REAL COMMUNITIES
REAL CHANGE

RiverWise empowers communities to build a better future.

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Featured Projects

Justice 40 Opportunity Navigator

A Guide to Community Benefits

SWPA Environmental Storytelling Project

The RISE Project: Federal Funding Creates Local Energy Innovation

The Summer Sustainability Institute

A journey from Beaver County to the Gulf Coast region.