New York Sun Works

New York Sun Works, founded in 2004 by Ted Caplow, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that uses hydroponic farming technology to educate students and teachers about the science of sustainability. Their Hydroponic Classroom program was a collaborative effort co-created by Manuela Zamora and Sidsel Robards, who were inspired by NY Sun Works' first project, the renowned Science Barge, a prototype sustainable urban farm and environmental education center previously docked on the Hudson River and now located in Yonkers under different ownership.

In 2010, New York Sun Works built the first of their Hydroponic Classrooms at a Manhattan public elementary school with the goal of teaching sustainability science and climate education. In 2022, they launched their Workforce Development Program pilot program with funding from the USDA, which certifies high school students in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) techniques.

As of April 2024, they have built, maintained, and supported over 300 Hydroponic Classrooms in schools across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and New Jersey. NY Sun Works is an EPA, NAAEE, and Harvard Business School Club of NY award-winning organization and maintains a platinum-rated status on Guidestar and a Top-Rated status on GreatNonprofits.