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(Millbrook, NY) – A new hydroponic garden is taking root at Dutchess Community College (DCC), thanks to an $8,500 contribution from Central Hudson in support of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County’s (CCEDC) Green Teen program. The funding will help establish a hydroponic greenhouse, a key feature of the newly expanded Green Teen initiative in Poughkeepsie.
On Thursday, April 24th, at 1:00 pm on the campus of Dutchess Community College (50 Mascot Drive, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601) Falcon Hall (near the tennis courts), Central Hudson volunteers will join Green Teen Poughkeepsie participants and community leaders to celebrate the project, raising the structure’s roof and presenting the donation. This milestone marks another step forward in empowering local youth through hands-on agriculture, leadership, and sustainability education.
Growing Skills, Nourishing Communities
The Green Teen program equips urban youth with essential life and career skills through immersive experiences in farming, nutrition, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. Since its founding in Beacon, the program has provided paid opportunities for teens to grow and distribute fresh produce at farmers' markets, food pantries, and pop-up events.
In 2024, CCEDC expanded Green Teen to Poughkeepsie, establishing a home on the DCC campus—a strategic location where many participating students may later pursue higher education. The Beacon program has been proudly supported by New York State Assemblymember Jonathan G. Jacobson (District 104), while the Poughkeepsie expansion reflects its growing impact.
A Win for Youth, Community, and Sustainability
“This project exemplifies the power of collaboration,” said Mary Lou Carolan, Executive Director of CCEDC. “Central Hudson’s investment doesn’t just support a garden—it nurtures future leaders, strengthens local food access, and builds a greener, more resilient community. Every teen involved gains real-world skills, and every harvest benefits neighbors in need. It’s a triple win.”
The hydroponic greenhouse will enable year-round growing, further enhancing food security and educational opportunities for participants.
“Dutchess Community College's partnership with the Green Teen program and this new expansion brings learning to life in a way that reflects the best of what the campus stands for,” said Dr. Susan Rogers, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness at DCC. “Through sustainability, work-based learning, and service learning, we're creating healthy, hands-on experiences in partnership with CCE and Central Hudson—spaces where students not only grow academically and personally but also give back to their community in meaningful ways.”
"We are deeply grateful to Central Hudson for their generous donation supporting our food pantry garden's new hydroponic greenhouse,” added Lacie Reilly, Director of The Pantry at DCC. “This contribution expands our capacity to grow fresh, healthy produce year-round and the greenhouse will serve as an educational and hands-on resource for the Poughkeepsie Green Teen Program. We are honored to have Central Hudson as a partner in our mission to fight food insecurity and support youth engagement in our region."
Learn More & Get Involved
For details on the Green Teen program or other CCEDC initiatives, visit ccedutchess.org or call 845-677-8223.
About Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC)
CCEDC delivers research-based programs in agriculture, youth development, environmental sustainability, nutrition, and more. Key initiatives include Green Teen, Master Gardeners, Dutchess County 4-H, Taste NY at Todd Hill, Family and Consumer Education and the Mid-Hudson Clean Energy Hub.
Connection. Collaboration. Community. That is how CCEDC is Growing Forward!
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