Watch: Science In Service of Community

Jayden Reynoso understands that our environment shapes us “like the way a tree grows toward the light.” Growing up in Washington Heights, one of the busiest and most traffic-congested areas of New York City, Reynoso grew alarmed about the pollution near his home. Then he learned about Futures Ignite, an organization based in Washington Heights working to analyze the community’s environment and empower students to take steps to improve things. Reynoso knew he had to get involved. From measuring water quality in Sherman Creek to planting trees around the neighborhood, Reynoso and his fellow Futures Ignite participants are using STEM to identify and understand the risks present in their community.

Reynoso envisions a future in which Washington Heights is known for being a green community. Futures Ignite is working to establish a car-free green corridor running across 182nd Street.

Futures Ignite joined the Simons Foundation’s Science Sandbox community of awardees in 2022.

The Stories of Impact series highlights the real-world influences of Science Sandbox projects through personal narratives, videos and interviews. Discover more stories here.