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City of White Plains Celebrates Youth Climate Action Fund Projects; CW Recognized for EnviroFest Initiative

Posted on November 20, 2025 - Posted in: Blog, CW News

The City of White Plains recently celebrated two years of youth-led, community-driven environmental impact through the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), highlighting 28 transformative projects at a special event held at the White Plains Public Library.

Among the recognized initiatives was EnviroFest, a 2024 project developed by The College of Westchester (CW) student Alyssa Fazio in partnership with the CW Not Just Business Club. CW was awarded a YCAF grant to support the project, which aimed to engage local youth in sustainability awareness and hands-on environmental action.

Representing CW at the celebration were Janna Gullery, Dean of Student Life and Success; Prof. Paula Cancro, Assistant Dean of Instructional Design; and student project lead Alyssa Fazio. City leaders in attendance included White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Frank Williams Jr., Executive Director of the White Plains Youth Bureau, and Judy Mezey, Deputy Commissioner of Planning.

The event underscored White Plains’ commitment to youth innovation and climate leadership, recognizing young changemakers whose efforts are helping to build a more sustainable future for the community.

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