Community Affairs Initiatives

The Fordham in Community collective is a coalition of over 70 local organizations who meet regularly to discuss local priorities and conceptualize how collaboration can effectively activate resources for our fellow community members. Each year, our initiative hosts a Back to School Festival at Fordham Plaza — a free community event that brings local families together for school supply giveaways, resources, food, and fun activities as the new school year begins.

The Bronx Green Jobs Center is an upcoming initiative focused on expanding access to green career pathways, workforce development, and environmental education in the Bronx. Community Affairs collaborates to ensure The Bronx Green Jobs Center is shaped by community priorities and grounded in local insight. As planning continues, we’re partnering with nonprofits, government, and industry to co-create a hub rooted in shared purpose. For more information, visit fordham.edu/greenjobs.

Our staff partners with the New York City Civic Engagement Commission’s TRIE Neighborhood Initiative and Participatory Budgeting efforts to support civic engagement in the West Bronx. Working alongside local grassroots organizations and residents, we have hosted civic engagement workshops, facilitated community ideation sessions, and strengthened connections among organizations supporting the neighborhood. Each year, our effort gathers approximately 2,000 ballots from community members, allowing residents to directly voice on how they would like to see funding invested in their community.

The Highbridge Farmer’s Market connects Bronx residents with fresh, locally grown produce while creating a welcoming neighborhood gathering space. The market has expanded to include fresh produce from local farms and a Bronx community garden, as well as community programming such as cooking demonstrations and educational resources. Launched in partnership with community organizations and supported by student volunteers, the market helps increase access to healthy food while fostering connection among neighbors.