Green Works will cease operations at the end of 2026.
Green Works Closing Statement
Since 2007, Green Works in Kansas City has helped cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders. We have impacted the lives of thousands of area youth by connecting them to nature and involving them in our city’s sustainable initiatives and the emerging green economy. Over the last five years, however, significant societal and economic shifts have created barriers to our work and made long-term sustainability unattainable. After thoughtful consideration, the Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to conclude programming after our final cohort in June 2026. Fundraising efforts have ended, and we will use existing income and reserves to support our programs through June 2026.
We are deeply proud of what we have accomplished together. Green Works has provided more than 16,000 hours of internships for students, added hundreds of native trees and shrubs to Kansas City’s urban landscape, and supported community education efforts through campaigns, video PSAs, and environmental art. In just the past five years, we’ve introduced over 200 children annually to nature through hands-on exploration.
Most of all, we are grateful. To our supporters, funders, volunteers, board members, staff, parents and—most importantly—our students: thank you for your time, energy, and passion. Together, we have shown what it means to value nature and protect the environment.
Signed,
Kate Corwin, President
Calvin Girard, Chair, Board of Directors
Green Works in Kansas City
Additional Information
We began our work in the fall of 2007 offering workforce development programs for urban high school students. We provided opportunities for youth to explore environmental issues in Kansas City, engage in hands-on environmental projects, and participate in summer internships aligned with their career goals and the growing green economy.
In 2020, we expanded our workforce programming by opening a small retail store focused on sustainable products, offering students experience in inventory selection, marketing, and customer service. These initiatives helped sustain engagement through the pandemic.
Over time, however, we observed a significant decline in student interest in environmental topics and outdoor experiences. In response, we launched our ECOS Nature Club in 2017, to reach younger students in grades 4–7. These programs, held at the Discovery Center and Lakeside Nature Center, sparked curiosity and encouraged exploration among urban youth.
By 2022, as the economy reopened post-Covid, many high school students found after-school jobs at historically high rates of pay. With new work opportunities available, students were less inclined to commit to our workforce programs and internships. We concluded our high school programming in the Spring of 2023 and closed our retail store.
During the pandemic, our nature exploration programs for younger students saw a surge in interest, driven by the need for safe, outdoor activity. We expanded ECOS Nature Club and began offering on-demand programming through partnerships with other youth organizations. Unfortunately, this increased demand was short-lived, and recent years have brought a notable decline in participation.
Compounding these challenges, shifts in federal funding priorities have reduced support for environmental education, with funders focusing more on emergency and critical social services. Additionally, we have experienced decreased enrollment from first-generation immigrant and Latino families, further impacting participation.
We will offer our nature exploration programs through June of 2026, and we will complete a downloadable curriculum based on the ECOS Nature Club program designed to be accessible to educators and youth organizations in Kansas City and across the country. This resource will extend the impact of our work beyond Kansas City and continue inspiring environmental exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Green Works closing?
Over the past five years, significant societal and economic shifts have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our programming. Declining student engagement, reduced funding for environmental education, and changing community needs have led our Board of Directors to make the difficult decision to conclude operations after our final cohort in June 2026.
Will there be any programs offered in 2025–2026?
Yes. We will continue to offer programming through June 2026, including our Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 ECOS Nature Club sessions. These will be supported by existing funds and reserves.
What happens to the ECOS Nature Club curriculum?
We are currently developing a downloadable version of the ECOS Nature Club curriculum. This resource will be made available to families, educators, and youth organizations to continue inspiring nature exploration beyond our closure.
Can families still enroll their children in programs?
Yes, enrollment for our final ECOS Nature Club sessions will remain open through mid-October and spring enrollment will begin in early March, 2026.
What should funders expect regarding current contributions?
If you contributed a grant for our current fiscal year, we are happy to return your contribution. Please let us know your preference. Otherwise, we will apply the funds toward this year’s programming and curriculum development.
Will Green Works host a final celebration or event?
We are exploring options for a final community gathering to celebrate our students, partners, and supporters. More details will be shared as plans develop.
How can I stay informed or support the transition?
We will continue to share updates via email and our website. If you’d like to support the completion of our curriculum or help document our legacy, please reach out via our contact form.
Non-Discrimination Policy
We are committed to providing high-quality educational and workforce opportunities to motivated young people living in the urban neighborhoods served by the Kansas City Public Schools. Within this target population, we will not discriminate based on economic or social status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or physical disability.
