For the past five decades, the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) has offered unique internship programs that provide college students with experiential learning and civic engagement opportunities. NYPIRG provides students with exceptional experiences that augment their classroom education by offering a full-time internship based in Albany, NY – the “Donald K. Ross Future Leaders Program.”
This internship program is named after NYPIRG’s first Executive Director, Donald K. Ross. Donald teamed up with consumer advocate Ralph Nader to develop the idea that ultimately led to the establishment of Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) across the nation. Their ideas, contained in the book Action for a Change, offered a blueprint for PIRGs, which have now spread to roughly half of the states. Donald moved on to become NYPIRG’s first director in 1973. He then left a decade later and was involved in the creation of other civic organizations across the country. His work of establishing organizations that offer young people the opportunity to influence public policy lives on through this program.
New York State officials have agreed to consider reviving long-dead fracked gas pipelines, including Williams’ Constitution and NESE pipelines. NYPIRG joined our coalition partners for a march to protect our state from the oil and gas industry's polluting practices. Their pipelines would pollute our air and water, harm our health, and worsen the climate crisis. Moreover, everyday New Yorkers must not be left paying more for dirty pipelines while fossil fuel comanies reap the profits!
In addition to formally delivering the petition to Governor Hochul and New York City Mayor Adams, the event highlighted key findings from the "QueensLink Now" report, which outlines the need for expanded transit options and their potential impact on our community.
The QueensLink project aims to transform the old Rockaway Beach Branch rail line into a modern, efficient transit corridor connecting underserved neighborhoods in Queens to the broader New York City transportation network. By reactivating this historic route, QueensLink would provide faster, more reliable connections; reduce traffic congestion; and promote economic development across the borough. It is a crucial step toward a more sustainable, equitable public transit system in Queens.
NYPIRG students who participate as counselors in our Small Claims Court Action Center had the opportunity to observe Small Claims proceedings in Brooklyn. Thank you to Judge Epstein for inviting us!
NYPIRG and our coalition partners held an Earth Day rally in support of the NY HEAT Act!
The NY HEAT Act is the top climate priority of New York’s environmental movement, with its promise of lower energy bills while eliminating massive subsidies to the fracked gas industry. As New Yorkers contend with the threats of climate change and rising costs of living, the rally highlighted the need for making energy more affordable while moving off of fossil fuels. Students joined advocates at City Hall to urge New York to pass this Earth Day friendly bill!
