Hydroponic Venture Project
The Hydroponic Venture Project provides a pathway for youth education and engagement in bringing indoor hydroponic garden growing systems to Chicago Public Schools & local communities. The organization strives to expose students across the city to a sustainable method of growing fresh produce with limited resources and encourages learning about the operation and sciences in sustainable agriculture.
Company: Hydroponic Venture Project
Location: Chicago, IL
Grant: Elaina's Sustainability Grant
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Their need:
In current schools, over 2000 students have been able to learn about the health and environmental benefits of sustainable farming and create a connection to food production and sustainability with hands-on experience. The latest project required a grant to bring the hydroponic system to Drummond Elementary School in Chicago.
Our gift:
Elaina’s Sustainability grant provided funds to support the installation of a hydroponic system at Drummond Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois. Since its implementation the hydroponic garden system has been integrated within the science curriculum for approximately 90 students ranging from grades 4 through 6.
Impact on education
The garden, along with lesson plans provided, was able to foster interactive learning focused on sustainable agriculture and food education. Mini cooking workshops were implemented alongside the lessons to allow the children to connect with each other and explore foods from different cultures. In addition to classroom integration, a class of around 30 students participated in a small-scale research study. The study evaluated student knowledge and attitude regarding healthy food and other nutritional topics. The students showed an increase in nutrition knowledge and a more positive perspective on health food after interacting with the hydroponic system.
Impact on community
With resources and experience with placing systems throughout the Chicagoland area, Hydroponic Venture project helps expand food education across the city and help educate the new generation of youth. Over the school year at Drummond Elementary, the students were able to produce approximately 150 pounds of fresh produce coming from the hydroponic garden, which was shared among the classrooms.