Youth Experiences
This is what makes it all worthwhile! Youth speak to their appreciation and experience working with us! Moments like these fill us with joy for the work we do!
Testimonials
Fatou
“The experience was an amazing opportunity to branch out to the separate spheres of Bridgeport with efforts toward green renewal as their common denominators. I feel intensely more connected to the process.”
Anju
"This program made me more confident and potentially see myself in a more talkative role."
Sebastien
"My experience throughout the program was exceptional, and I’m coming out of it with great experiences."
Current Students
2024-2025 Waterfront Youth Ambassadors
Geovanni
Hi, my name is Geovanni. I'm 15 years old and I attend Bullard-Havens. My hobbies are playing sports and playing chess. Some of my favorite things about Groundworks are the flexible schedule it offers and the ability to make a change in the community. Some of my career goals include owning a business. My favorite animal is a penguin, and my favorite color is blue.
Jaeliesse
I’m 16 and I attend Brien McMahon High SchoolI'd like to get into the tech industry when I go to college. My favorite thing about GWB is the community and the environment around us, theres always a good atmosphere. My fun fact is that black cats are often the last adopted in shelters. I have 5 black cats. My favorite colors are pink & black, favorite animal is cats
Jess (right)
Lamiyah
Hi my name is Lamiyah and I’m heading into my senior year. I love to read mystery books, unraveling each suspenseful plot twist with excited anticipation. I also love to walk, I find walking to be very therapeutic as it helps me clear my mind and gain a fresh perspective. My career goal is to become a veterinarian, as helping animals is my ultimate dream. My favorite colors are orange and yellow, and my favorite animal is a tiger.
Monica
My name is Monica, I am 17 and I go to central high school. I like to read and draw. My favorite thing about GWB is the youth group members and how we come from different backgrounds and work together as a group to help improve Bridgeport.
Richard
My name is Richard. I am 18 years old and an incoming freshman at Housatonic Community College. Some hobbies I have are going to the gym, taking walks, and learning. Some interests I have are nature, comics, and history. My favorite things about Groundwork are the sense of community among members and within the community, as well as the good the organization does for the community. As far as my career goals go, I am currently studying to be a teacher in a social studies subject. Some fun facts about me is that I have a twin brother and I am a minute older than him. My favorite animal is a panda. My favorite color is blue and my favorite vegetable is celery.
Samantha
My name is Samantha. I’m currently 18 years old. The school I attend right now is Warren Harding High School. Some of my hobbies are sewing,writing, and making crafts. My favorite activities with Groundwork Bridgeport are exploring Bridgeport and being able to express our thoughts on the environment. Some of my career goals are to become a CNA then work to become a Registered Nurse. Some fun facts about me are: being left-handed, my favorite color is lilac, and I enjoy writing affirmations. My favorite animal is a red panda.
Sydni
Hello, my name is Sydni. I am 15 years old and the school I currently attend is Greens Farms Academy. I play volleyball and softball and some things and I also play the saxophone. One of my favorite things about Ground Work Bridgeport is that this program educates people about where they live and how they can help to make it better.
Groundwork Bridgeport Alumni
Fall 2024: Service-Learning Program - M/w Cohort
Abril
My name is Abril, I'm 16 and I go to Central High School. I like anything creative and hands-on such as drawing, baking, taking photos, and crocheting. In the future, I hope I can own my own business and sell the stuff I create!
Angel
My name is Angel Gabriel Lugo. I am sixteen years old and I go to Bridge academy charter school. My hobbies are drawing, freestyling, singing, gaming and exercising. My favorite animal is a Lion.
Anjumanara
Hello, my name is Anjumanara. I’m 16 years old and I’m a junior in Fairchild Wheeler. I hope to pursue computer science in university. My favorite color is lavender. I’m very competitive and I like playing cards, video games, and badminton.
Brandon
My name is Brandon and I go to Kolbe. I’ve always been passionate about cooking. There’s something exciting about experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create a dish that’s both delicious and unique. My favorite color, red, fuels my bold approach to food whether it’s the heat of spices or the vibrant presentation on the plate. I dream of one day becoming a chef and opening my own restaurant, where I can share my creations and watch people enjoy them. Cooking isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s how I express myself.
Brianna
My name is Brianna, I am 14 and I go to BMA. I like drawing and I just wanna go to college after high school. I like tacos and I like giraffes.
Jocelyn
My name is JC, I’m 16 and I go to Bassick High School. My hobbies are xtreme sports and art. I want to become a aircraft mechanic so I could work on jet engines. I really loveeee to try out new things, learn and experiment. That’s also the reason why I joined groundwork bpt!
Julian
Hey, my name is Julian. I’m 15 years old and I go to kolbe high school. I play baseball and basketball and like riding bikes. My career goals is making it to the mlb. My favorite animal is a panther.
Kevon
My name is Kevon, I'm 15 and I go to Bullard Havens. I like to play basketball. My goal is to start a business. My favorite color is green, and my favorite animal is an eagle.
Stevie
My name is Stevie Batista. My age is 15. The school I go to is Bridgeport military academy. I plan to be a mechanical engineer. my favorite animal is the honey badger. my favorite color is red and my hobbies/interests are coding, playing video games, and working
Taraji
My name is Taraji, and I go to Bridge Academy. I am 14 years old and I want to become a nurse.
Tiffany
Hi my name is Tiffany but mostly go by Tiff. I’m 16 years old and I go to Bullard Havens. I love to just relax in my free time, and a fun fact is I’m from Trinidad.
Fall 2024: Service-Learning Program - T/Th Cohort
Ashlin
My name is Ashlin Loja, I am 15 yrs old and I go to Bridgeport military academy, my fav hobby is baking and cooking, I love cats and I going groundwork bc they inspire me to help my community more
Christian
My name is Christian Saldana, I’m 17, from Kolbe Cathedral High School and I enjoy playing music. I like learning about the community around me and want to share my thoughts about it.
Joy
My name is Joy, I’m 15. I like doing hair and I want to do it professionally along with real estate. I love the color pink, and listening to music
Justin
Hello my name is Justin. I’m 16 and go to Kolbe High School. My favorite color is white.
Justin
My name is Justin I’m currently 15 years old and attend Bassick High school. I enjoy playing football and track and trying out new things such as ground work. It’s very thrilling to me to try out something I wouldn’t even see myself doing in the past. My goal is to find myself and what I want to do for the rest of my life and I hope i’ll achieve it soon.
Kris
My name is Kris Guzman am 16 years old I go Harding high school my hobbies are to play soccer and have fun my career goals are to start my own landscaping business my fun facts are I live food and my favorite animals are dogs and cats snd my favorite color is purple black
Mia
My name is Mia, and I've lived in Bridgeport my entire life with my family. I'm currently a junior at Bridge Academy, and I plan to pursue an MBA or a similar business degree at NCAT or Morgan State. My goal is to start my own business and eventually have my own employees.
Shyanne
Hii my name is Shyanne and I am 14 years old. I go to bridge academy. I have 2 cats. I like doing hair and my favorite color is purple.
Tyanne
My name is Tyanne Mclean, I’m 16 and I go to Bridge Academy. I was born and raised in Bridgeport. My favorite color is blue and I have a cat. I joined Groundwork because I love serving other people. I love playing instruments. I play the Altohorn (it’s similar to a baritone, which is a smaller Tuba), Trumpet, Piano, Drums, and I want to learn the guitar. I love writing and reading, and I plan to get a Masters in Psychology. I also want a bachelors in either Forensic Science or Criminology.
Summer 2024: PlaceMaking 2.0 Participants
Anju
My name is Anjumanara. I am 16 years old and I attend Fairchild Wheeler. I like playing badminton. My favorite thing about GWB is the people and the positivity.
Fatou
My name is Fatoumata, but I prefer to be called Fatou. I'm 16 years old, and I am a rising senior at Kolbe Cathedral. I like to write, read, crochet, and watch TV shows and review them with friends. My favorite thing about Groundworks is the complete kindness they give towards their youth. I want to be a screenwriter for mainly television; and 1 fun fact about me is that I have four pets!
George
My name is George, I’m 15, I go to Fairchild Wheeler, and love to skateboard and going out. My favorite thing about GWB is the people and fun times we have here. My career goal is to own my own business, and some fun facts about me are that I like to go out. My favorite animal is a cat and I like the color purple and black.
Jeyca
My name is Jeyca and I'm 16 years old. I go to Warren Harding High School. My hobbies are reading books and watching my favorite movies. I'm really interested in learning new things and exploring different topics. One of my favorite things about life is meeting new people. In the future, I hope to have my own dance company and help people who are struggling to start their own businesses. A fun fact about me is that I've been dancing since I was 4 years old. And my favorite animal is a dog.
Makayla
My name is Makayla, I am 15 years old, and I go to Bullard Havens. One of my hobbies is doing my hair. Something I like about ground work would be the people. A Fun fact about me is I am a returning placemaking member from the spring, and as of now I do not have a career goal.
Ryse
Hi! My name is Ryse, and I’m 16 years old. I go to Danbury High School and I love being around the people I care about, helping out, and learning new skills. My favorite thing about Groundwork is the knowledge I gained about my community and the people I met! In the future, I will become an anesthesiologist. The goal is to own, not rent after all!
Woodley
My name is Woodley Thezan, im 16 years old and i go to central highschool.
Zaren
My name is Zaren, My Age is 15 and I go to The Bridge Academy. My career goals are to become a Football player and work on cars and my interests are cars, animals, food and art.
Zayne
My name is Zayne, I am 17, and I am a senior at Fairchild Wheeler. Some of my interests include going to the gym, anime and manga, being with my free friends, and I also like D&D and Magic the Gathering. My favorite thing about GWB is the vibes from the people there. I want to be a physical therapist and start my own gym. My favorite bands are Linkin Park, Bring Me The Horizon, and Nirvana. My favorite color is black, I love cats, and I love cars
Summer 2024: Photography Program Participants
Abril
Hi! My name is Abril, I’m 16 and I go to Central High. I like anything creative and adventures! I hope one day I can have a successful business in this stuff I create!
Genesis
My name is Genesis and I am 18 years old. I go to Great Oaks Charter School, and I want to become a doctor when I am older. My hobbies and interests include soccer, crochet, dancing, and exercising. My favorite animals are elephants and my favorite color is purple. Some fun facts about me are that I have 13 siblings, I love traveling, and I hate corn. My favorite things about Groundwork Bridgeport are taking pictures, exploring downtown, and eating snacks.
Jazlene
My name is Jazlene. I’m 15 and I go to Harding High School. I play a lot of instruments. I also like drawing, writing, and photography. I hope that in the future, I end up getting a job that’s creative.
Justin
My name is Justin. I’m 15 years old and I enjoy listening to music. I go to Platt Tech and I hope to be a marine biologist
Prince
I’m Prince, 15 years old, and I go to Fairfield College Preparatory School. I want to go to the NFL.
Rickelle
I'‘m Rickelle and I am 16 years old. I go to the Aerospace School at Fairchild Wheeler. My most recent hobby is woodworking/carving and my favorite color is blue.
Sariya
My name is Sariya. I’m 17 years old. I go to Fairchild Wheeler Bio. A fun fact about me is I love cats and the color pink. I love drawing & painting.
Violet
My name is Ricardo, you can call me Ricky or Violet if you want. I’m 15, I was born in May. I go to Harding High School. I love anime and most Japanese stuff. Fun fact: I’m bi. I love fantasy.
Summer 2024: Food Justice PRogram Participants
Brianna
My name is Brianna, I go to Bullard-Havens and I'm a sophomore. In the future, I want to be a pediatrician but I am graduating as an EMT. This is my second program with groundwork and I hope to soon start my own nonprofit!
Chris
My name is Chris, I’m 17 years old, and I'm a recent graduate of Common Ground High School. My hobbies include reading, writing, playing video games and spending time with family. I wanna major in creative writing or painting when I go to college.
Maria
My name is Maria, I'm 17 and I go to Harding High School. I am an artist and I am working as a scriptwriter for comics, my favorite color is Cyan and my hobbies are drawing, playing video games, writing, listening to and making music, and learning about new things.
Naomi
My name is Naomi and I'm 17 years old. I go to Warren Harding High School. My hobbies are listening to music, reading sometimes, and watching anime. My career goals are to be an accountant, cosmetologist, or a voice actor. Some fun facts about me are that I'm a very outgoing person and very hands-on. My favorite animal is a sea lion. Favorite Colors are: Wine red, Pastel blue, Mint green, Lilac purple, Black, and Light brown.
Saliyah
Hi! My name is Saliyah, and I’m 15 years old from Bullard Havens. Some of my hobbies include hanging out with friends, shopping, and participating in Track and Field, my favorite sport. My career goals include continuing my trade in plumbing or becoming an animal caretaker.
Shanelee
My name is Shanellee Martinez. I'm 15 and I go to Bassick High. I like to spend time with my family and have a good time. I wanna be able to take a course for architecture. I like cats and I'm such a pink lover.
Tyler
My name is Tyler, I’m 14 years old making my way to Danbury High School. My hobbies are I like to go outside and workout. My favorite animal is a black panther.
Spring 2024: Service-Learning Program Participants
Allan
My name is Allan. I go to Bridge Academy, and I’m 14. I love chess and streetwear. My goal is to one day be a salesman.
Brianna
My name is Brianna Vargas. I go to Bullard-Havens Technical High School. I’m in 9th grade. In the future, I want to be a NICU Nurse, but I am graduating as an EMT.
Fatou
Hello, my name is Fatoumata, but I like when people call me Fatou! I am sixteen years old and in 11th grade at Kolbe Cathedral! I love to write, crochet and read. I want to be a writer for TV or some kind of teacher. It doesn't really matter to me. One fun fact about me would be that I have six beautiful pets that I love very dearly. My favorite animals are my pets, four budgies and two turtles, and I love all colors the same!
George
My name is George, and I’m 14. I go to Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Multi-Magnet Campus, and I like to skateboard, and I want to own a business one day. I like American football and basketball, and I like cats, and my favorite color is purple.
Heidi
My name is Heidi Garcia and I am 17 years old. I go to Bullard-Havens. My favorite color is blue, and I like to try new things.
Madison
My name is Madison. I go to Bullard Havens. I'm 15 years old, and a fun fact about me is I have a bunny.
Makayla
My name is Makayla. I go to Bullard Havens Tech. I am 15 years old, and a fun fact about me is I take plumbing as my trade.
Monica
My name is Monica. I am 17 years old, and I go to Central High School. I love Star Wars, especially the series Clone Wars. I want to be a dentist when I grow up. My favorite color is green.
Ryse
My name is Ryse. I’m 16 years old and I go to Danbury High School. My hobbies include Debate, Chess, Work, Church and having fun. My career goal is to be an Anesthesiologist. Fun fact about myself, I do not understand people who don’t like to be corrected. My favorite animal is a cheetah, and my favorite color is pink.
Sebastien
My name is Sebastien. I am 14, and I go to Kolbe Cathedral.
Zaren
My name is Zaren. I am 15, and I go to The Bridge Academy. My career goals are to become a Football player and work on cars. My interests are cars, animals, food and art.
Spring 2024: Food Justice Program Participants
Anju
Jade
Jaeliesse
Zayne
Winter 2024: Service-Learning Program Participants
Aiden
I'm 16 years old, and I go to Bullard Havens Technical High School. I love playing video games, hanging out with my friends, and playing sports. After high school, I want to be an electrician or a welder. Fun facts about me - I love camping, my favorite color is blue, and my favorite animal is a black panther.
Irma
I’m a 15-year-old student at Bullard Havens High School. My career goal is to become a doctor. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy being alone and attempting to draw, even though I'm not very good at it. My favorite animal is a snake.
Jade
I'm a fourteen-year-old student at Fairchild Wheeler. My favorite color is green and my favorite hobbies are dancing and track and field. In the future, I hope to become a lawyer.
Jaeliesse
I'm 16, and a junior in HS. In the future, I'd like to be an accountant and a tax preparer. A couple of my favorite things are my cats, the color blue, pop punk, and my moms cooking. My whole life I've had a love for nature, so I'd like to give back to it and my community.
Kayla
I’m 14 I’m from Bullard-Haven THS and my favorite hobby is to draw.
Lihanna
I’m a 16-year-old student at Bullard Havens Technical High School. I enjoy playing sims, reading books, dancing, and building and creating things. Turtles and the color green are my favorites. As for my career goals, I aspire to attend college and pursue a path as a therapist, animator, vet technician, or interior designer. Some fun facts about me: I was a theater kid and have been in 4 plays, and I have participated in competitive dance for 13 years. Adventure courses are something I absolutely love!
Mariela
Some things I enjoy doing is cooking, playing pickle ball, and getting involved in my community!
Naomi
I am 17 and a junior at Harding high school. I love crocheting and singing, just like anything that is artistic. I aspire to go to college to become a nurse.
Shemaya
I’m a 17-year-old student at Fairchild Wheeler. My interests include reading, volunteering, modeling, styling hair, and track & field. I aspire to become a veterinarian.
Some fun facts about me: I play the violin, piano, clarinet, and guitar, and I'm fluent in English, Mandarin, Creole, and self-taught Korean. I love the "Divergent" book series and the movie "Before I Wake." My dream destinations include Germany, Iceland, South Korea, Italy, and many more exciting places!
Winter 2018 Program Participants
Jasmine Blackstock
Hey guys! Here a few things to know about me: I'm a part-time eater, a part-time sleeper, a part-time Youtuber, and a full-time human.
Oled Ahmed
Hi! My name is Oled and I am 17 years old. I am interested in becoming a computer engineer. My favorite sport is soccer and I would love to travel to Aspen, Colorado or to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates!
Tameem Choudhury
My name is Tameem and I am 16 years old. I am currently in the 11th grade at Central High School in Bridgeport, CT. I am originally from Bangladesh and enjoy playing soccer with my friends. I hope to travel the world one day. I want to attend Fairfield University or UCONN-Storrs and pursue my dreams. It would be awesome to get to travel back home to Bangladesh and visit again.
Citlalli Tomas
My name is Citlalli and I am 16 years old. I'm in the 11th grade and attend Fairchild Wheeler. I love drawing and reading. I want to pursue a career in the medical field and attend a school like John's Hopkins or Yale University. I'd like to visit Italy one day!
Omar Linares
My name is Omar and I'm 17 years old. I'm in the 12th grade at Bullard Havens Technical High School. I'm originally from Mexico. I like playing soccer and keeping active. My goal in life is to graduate college and pursue my dreams. I hope to attend either University of Hartford or University of New Haven. I'd travel anywhere in the world!
Izeyha Rosario
Hi! My name is Izeyha and I am a ninth grader at Fairchild Wheeler. I play all kinds of sports and love spending time with my friends!
Gianna Rosario
Hi! My name is Gianna Rosario. I currently attend Fairchild Wheeler (Aerospace). I hope to attend Harvard University after high school. I am usually the quiet one in the group and can be a little shy sometimes.
Mayra Barreto
My name is Mayra and I'm 16 years old. I'm in the 11th grade at Fairchild Wheeler and live in Bridgeport. I like to draw and play soccer in my free time. My goal is to become a veterinarian one day, but before I do that, I want to attend Sacred Heart University. I would love to travel to South Korea, China, Thailand, and Taiwan.
Nyjah Jenkins
Hello! My name is Nyjah, but some people call me "Ny" for short. I'm 14 years old and LOVE dogs! I actually have one that's a pit/brezzy mix. I go to Fairchild Wheeler and live on the Westside of Bridgeport. When I meet new people I'm shy at first, but once you get to know me I'm pretty funny. I love helping my mom cook and spend time with my 6 sisters, nieces, and little nephew.
Tali-anna Sutherland
My name is Tali-anna and I am 15 years old. I am actually from St. Thomas, Jamaica, but now I go to Bullard Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport! I love making art, listening to music, playing video games, and (of course) eating.
Daniel Devissiere
My name is Daniel and I am 16 years old. I am from Bridgeport and have Mexican, Haitian, Cuban, and French roots. I am interested in all kinds of sports and can play them, too! I love to listen to music of all genres and spend time with my friends. I'd love to travel the world, but right now I am most interested in visiting Japan and Spain. I'm always willing to try new things. I can be stubborn at times, but I am very open minded.
Kayla Martinez
Hi! My name is Kayla and I'm 14 years old. I'm in the ninth grade at the Bridge Academy. I love eating and my favorite color is turquoise!
Loanis Cabrera
My name is Loanis and I am a senior at Central High School and Aquaculture. I am going to college to pursue an English major because I love to read and write, but I am also interested in signing and drawing. I am a member of the National Honors Society, captain of the school debate team, and the co-editor-in-chief of my school's newspaper. I'm always pretty busy, but it's also super rewarding!
Kiana Dangler
My name is Kiana and I am 17 years old. I am a senior at Fairchild Wheeler. Everyone calls me "KiKi" or "Nana" as nicknames! I love hip hop dancing and one day I hope to become a federal agent.
Robert Dawson
My name is Robert and I'm 14 years old. I am in the ninth grade and attend Fairchild Wheeler in Bridgeport, CT. I like anything that's fun!
Lukman Choudhury
My name is Lukman and I'm 14 years old. I'm in the ninth grade and attend Central High School in Bridgeport. I'm originally from Bangladesh. I love soccer, food and sleeping. My goal is to be successful in whatever I pursue in life. It would be awesome to attend Fairfield University after high school and one day travel to Colombia.
Kenneisha Norford
Hi! My name is Kenneisha Norford and I was born in St.Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. I lived in Fall River, Massachusetts for 14 years before I moved to Bridgeport at the age of 15. I currently go to Bullard Havens Technical High School and take graphic technology. I love listening to music and playing the trumpet and keyboard. I would love to travel to any beautiful island and have a future in the medical science field.
Fall 2016 Program Participants
Dukens Charlot
My name is Dukens Charlot. I am 16 years old. I go to Central High School, in the 11th grade. I like Batman. I want to be a biomedical engineer. My favorite T.V. show is the The Flash.
Loanis Cabrera
My name is Loanis Cabrera and I attend Central High School and Aquaculture School. I enjoy reading, my favorite genre being mystery. I love super heroes, especially from DC. Some of my favorite shows include Grey's Anatomy, The Flash, and Scorpion. I am a member of debate club and I am co-editor of my school newspaper.
Ely-Anna Becerril
I'm Ely-Anna. Some people call me Ely. I'm obsessed with cookie dough, pasta, and cheese. Gouda and goat cheese in particular. I'm really quiet and will laugh at anything. I love reading books and my favorite has to be the Hunger Games series. Katniss Everdeen is my idol. I have 4 cats and 3 out of 4 of them are jerks but I still love them. If I really like a movie I'll watch it all day straight. Oh I'm 17 too. I dream of having my own farm somewhere in the country side of some place in Europe. My favorite superhero is Spiderman or Dealpool. I also volunteer at the Maritime Aquarium because I really want to study marine biology but according to the internet, that's not a really good undergraduate choice of study. I'm also a gymnast.
Kaheim Robertson
My name is Kaheim, I like to play basketball. My favorite basketball team is the Cleveland Cavaliers. My favorite superhero is Superman. I want to become a dance choreographer. My favorite T.V. show is Teen Titans Go! I like scary movies. I like to free run.
Eduardo Rodriguez
My name is Eduardo Rodriguez. I like reading, playing video games, and eating. I want to be a baseball player but if that doesn't work out I'd love to be a mason. My favorite superhero is Deadpool. My favorite show is American Horror Story.
Ruth Ortiz
My name is Ruth. I love watching T.V. My favorite movie genres are scary movies and comedies. I love spending time with my family.
Lorky Gomez
My name is Lorky Gomez. I'm a Junior and I attend Bullard Haven Technical High School. In the future I hope to pursue a career in or work alongside something in an art program. My favorite sport is soccer. My favorite T.V. show is Fashion Runway Juniors.
Isaiah Oden
I attend Bullard Havens Technical High School. I spend my free time watching T.V. and movies. My passion is DJing and I enjoy hanging around my friends and family. I am 16 and my favorite T.V. show is The Legend of Korra.