Environmental Sustainability and Technology Projects
Youth Environmental Education: Outdoor Learning Experience
NECC is proud to partner with Live Peace Tech Corporation to launch a year-long Youth Environmental Education program from June 2025 to June 2026. Hosted on weekends at NECC’s Germantown campus, the program offers elementary and middle school students hands-on experiences in environmental stewardship, including creating a pollinator garden, planting trees, and participating in clean-up events. Students will also engage in interactive workshops covering topics like soil and water testing, green career pathways, and nature-inspired yoga and meditation. These activities aim to cultivate leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills, with participants earning SSL hours, certificates, and awards.
This initiative is part of NECC’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment. By integrating ecological education with cultural values, the program seeks to inspire the next generation of ecopreneurs and peacebuilders. Through this collaboration, NECC continues to foster a community that values environmental responsibility and cultural heritage.
Agri AI Innovation Internship Program
NECC, in collaboration with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), is proud to introduce the Agri-AI Innovation Internship Program for K–12 students. This initiative, currently underway at NECC’s community garden in Germantown, MD, empowers students to remotely monitor plant growth using AI-powered tools, blending agricultural science with cutting-edge technology. Participants gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming practices while exploring the future of smart agriculture.
Through this program, students not only learn about the integration of artificial intelligence in agriculture but also contribute to real-world applications that can impact food production and environmental sustainability. By engaging in this innovative internship, young learners are inspired to pursue careers in STEM fields, fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious technologists.
Green fencing project
NECC, in collaboration with Live Peace Tech Corporation, is initiating a Green Fencing Project to enhance privacy, security, and environmental sustainability on its Germantown campus. The project involves planting a living fence along a 1,230-foot perimeter, creating a 20-foot-wide buffer zone totaling approximately 24,600 square feet. This green barrier will consist of perennial evergreen trees, shrubs, and climbing plants, such as Eastern Red Cedar, American Holly, and Skip Laurel, chosen for their adaptability to Maryland’s climate and soil conditions . These plantings are expected to reach heights of 20 to 30 feet, providing year-round privacy, reducing noise, and enhancing the property’s aesthetic appeal.
Beyond visual and acoustic benefits, the green fence will contribute to local biodiversity by offering habitats for native wildlife and improving air quality. This initiative reflects NECC’s commitment to integrating ecological practices into its infrastructure, fostering a harmonious relationship between cultural spaces and the natural environment. By replacing traditional fencing with a living barrier, NECC aims to create a sustainable and serene environment for its community members.
Deloitte-NECC Green Partnership: Annual Tree Planting & Landscape Stewardship
For the past three years, NECC has partnered with Deloitte to host an annual tree planting and landscape maintenance event on the first Friday of June, aligning with Deloitte’s Volunteer Day. This collaborative effort has resulted in the planting of approximately 150 evergreen trees, including Thuja Green Giants and Emerald Green Arborvitae, enhancing the natural beauty and sustainability of NECC’s Germantown campus. Deloitte volunteers, alongside NECC community members, have contributed to this initiative by providing essential materials such as mulch, boundary supplies, and tree fencing, ensuring the longevity and health of the newly planted trees.
This ongoing project not only strengthens the partnership between NECC and Deloitte but also underscores a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The annual event serves as a testament to the positive impact that corporate-community collaborations can have on promoting sustainability and fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the environment.