Learning Ecosystem

Our seven-acre experiential learning campus at Floyd Bennett Field will support 50,000 K-12 students from hundreds of New York City public schools each year. Students will learn, work, and intern with an ecosystem of exceptional partner organizations, solve real-world problems, and earn 21st century career credentials.

Reimagining Education

Our Learning Ecosystem

Learning ecosystems offer a different approach to teaching and learning

A learning ecosystem is an innovative school model design where students learn from their communities through hands-on, real world experiences. It required the intentional collaboration between community stakeholders across various learning sites to provide learner-centered experiences that support broad outcomes. In a learning ecosystem:

  • Learning is supported by many

  • Learning can happen almost anywhere

  • Learning targets a broad range of skills

Our Campus Will Include:

  • A THREE-ACRE FARM

    Students will gain skills for careers in sustainable agriculture and feed our neighbors with The Campaign Against Hunger.

  • A PARTNERSHIP WITH JAMAICA BAY – ROCKAWAY PARKS CONSERVANCY

    In partnership with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, students will become environmental stewards, engaging in advocacy to preserve and improve the surrounding shorelines and parklands.

  • WORLD-CLASS SCIENCE LABS

    World-class science labs will be built and operated by NY Sun Works, preparing students for careers in local agriculture and hydroponic farming.

  • A ROPES COURSE AND CAMPSITES

    Students will build self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills with NYC Outward Bound Schools.

  • ACCESS TO JAMAICA BAY

    Students will learn skills to save our oceans and prepare for careers in marine biology and advocacy with Billion Oyster Project.

  • A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SCIENCE & RESILIENCE INSTITUTE

    In partnership with the City University of New York’s Science + Resilience Institute, students will conduct hands-on research about coastal resiliency and impacts of climate change.

  • A SOLAR PANEL WORKSHOP

    Students will earn job credentials while building sustainable energy sources to operate the net-zero campus with SolarOne.

  • A 240-STUDENT HIGH SCHOOL

    A new 240-student high school will be operated by Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School.

  • AN AMPHITHEATER

    Students will experience performing arts, including the history, movement, and beauty of African Diasporic culture with Asase Yaa.

Transforming Workforce Development

Our Floyd Bennett Field campus will provide young New Yorkers with direct pathways to tens of thousands of cutting-edge career opportunities. Offerings will feature 13 training programs, 36 industry-recognized credentials, and 73,000 potential job and career placements.

Certified Training Programs

Aquaculture
Basic Green Construction
Controlled Environment Agriculture
Green Building Operations
Green Team Workforce
Marine Biology Research
Marine Policy Advocacy
Marine Systems Technology
Ocean Engineering
Professional Diving
Solar CTE
Solar PV Installation
Vessel Operations

Badges and Credentials

GPRO Operations and Maintenance
GPRO Electrical
GPRO Mechanical
Building Performance Institute Multifamily Building Operator
Building Performance Institute Multifamily Building Analyst
NABCEP PV Associate
US EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (Lead)
EPA 608 
OSHA 30
NYC Department of Buildings Site Safety Training (SST)
Lab Safety
Safe Boating
Seafood HACCP
ARC GIS Certificate 
GEF Institute course: Advanced Concepts in Sustainability
WEDG® (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) Certificate 

NOCTI Natural Resource Systems
Digital Quest SPACE Geographic Information Systems
SUNY Albany Science Research Project
NOCTI Marine Mechanics
Ocean Engineering 10
Ocean Engineering 11
Ocean Engineering 12
Career and Financial Management
Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certifications
Divers Alert Network (DAN) first-aid medical training
American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Scientific Diver Final Exam
NYS Safe Boating Certificate
US Power Boating Certificate
FCC Marine Operators Permit
Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED
USCG Limited Masters License
Controlled environment agriculture 

Future training programs at Runway Green will expand career advancement pathways to adults in fast growing industries.

Project Timeline

We have made extensive progress collaborating with our community and coalition of partners to turn our vision into reality.

World Class Project Team 

A team of renowned designers, architects, real estate developers, and educational program planners were selected based on their track records of creating innovative, impactful projects, as well as their commitment to our community-centered approach.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

A New York City-based landscape architecture and urban design practice, SCAPE fosters positive change in communities by reviving and creating public landscapes that connect people to their environments. Their work is recognized with top industry awards.

New York City-based ARO is a diverse collective united by a commitment to accountable action, and social responsibility. ARO’s vision, artistry, and dedication to craft have earned the firm over one hundred design awards.

Colloqate Design is an award-winning, multidisciplinary, nonprofit design-justice practice focused on expanding community access to, and building power through, the design of social, civic, and cultural spaces.

DEVELOPMENT

The Charter Schools Development Corporation has been serving the charter school community since its founding in 1997. It supports quality school choice for underserved students by developing and financing affordable charter school facilities. As a non-profit developer, CSDC strives to help charter school entrepreneurs and leaders finance their school facilities and educational vision with the goal of increasing school choice and student achievement. 

Founded in 2016, About the Work is a woman-owned and woman-led project management firm in New York City that brings energy and excellence to the owner’s representation sector. The firm partners with organizations to develop projects from idea to occupancy, providing strategic planning and programming, owner’s representation, and “wrap-around” project management. 

Community Design Team

The design of Runway Green has been developed with extensive input from Brooklyn community members on our Community Design Team, which includes students, alumni, and families from Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School. Our Community Design Team have conducted inspiration visits at various schools and campuses to gain new insights and perspectives to inform the planning process. The team’s on-the-ground research and experience with innovative project-based learning, competency-based education, and community school models are crucial to our community-centered approach to developing the learning ecosystem at Runway Green.

About Floyd Bennett Field

Dedicated as New York City’s first municipal airport on May 23, 1931, Floyd Bennett Field was first composed of concrete runways, four hangers, and an administration building that served as a terminal. In the years that followed until 1939, twenty-six international flights started or ended at the field. When Laguardia Airport opened in 1939, Floyd Bennett Field was sold to the US Navy and was later redesignated as a Naval Air Reserve Training Station in 1946. National Park Service

For over 50 years, the vast potential of Floyd Bennett Field has gone untapped

Floyd Bennett Field was the starting point for the world’s first international flights from New York City. Today, it’s a blank canvas. These 1,300 acres of National Park Service Land are more than twice the size of Governor’s Island, Brooklyn Navy Yard, and Industry City—combined. Located on some of the region’s most economically rich parklands, and within the nation’s largest school system, Floyd Bennett Field’s combination of access and opportunity is unparalleled. The site is a jumping off point for shorelines, marshlands, and open water throughout Jamaica Bay.

Runway Green will help connect New York City communities to Floyd Benett Field. In partnership with the eco-friendly transit provider Circuit, we are committed to sustainable forms of transportation to and from Floyd Bennett Field, ensuring accessibility for all.