Grounded (formerly GTECH Strategies) is a 501(c)(3) that works to strengthen the economic, social, and environmental health of transitional communities by building capacity through collaborative greenspace projects. The programming at Grounded is designed to spur action by binding individuals in formative and enduring ways. We mobilize residents, policy-makers, and like-minded organizations to ensure communities have the resources, knowledge, tools, and partners to make change happen in the places they live, work, and play.

We envision a region of thriving communities with engaged, motivated, and equipped individuals working together to sustain positive change. We believe lasting change happens when people have the tools to take steps toward creating safe, green, resilient and livable spaces on the ground and are weighing in on the systems that affect them.

Specifically, our Green Playces Initiative partners with schools and youth programs to address the lack of safe, activated greenspace for youth to learn, play, and connect with their outdoor environment . Our youth-created Green Playce sites are implemented on vacant or under-utilized land and provide opportunities for outdoor STEAM learning for youth in some of our most distressed communities.

The Green Playces Initiative champions youth voices in every step of the placemaking process. From designing and planning with landscape architects, to learning construction and teamwork skills while building Green Playce sites, to stewarding sites for years to come, our unique curriculum creates opportunity for youth to learn valuable skills for implementing positive change in their communities.