Park East High School is located in the heart of East Harlem/ El Barrio. In the past 10 years, the neighborhood has gone through a revitalization of open space and community gardens. Studies have been conducted to examine how open space and environmental factors impact the health of children. A large population of Park East students lives in the neighborhood and would greatly benefit from participating in an ecological project. According to the National Wildlife Federation, establishing a schoolyard habitat provides many academic benefits, such as improved math literacy, improved critical thinking skills, developed Ecological literacy and a sense of community through collaboration. The educational rewards of inquiry based learning and the analysis required to problem solve are aligned with the necessary skills young people will need to achieve their post-secondary goals.

The project has attracted high-performing students and students who are at risk of failing. This is a great opportunity for students to collaborate in a non-competitive environment where the criteria to join is enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate. Overall, the project develops a student’s mutual respect for his/her peers and a sense of responsibility for the natural world around them.