Harald Holcomb

Holcomb’s innovative teaching idea, “Growing Equity,” is a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiative designed to empower inner-city continuation school students to see themselves as scientists, problem-solvers and leaders. The community in which Robert H. Lewis High School sits is classified as a food desert, where access to affordable fresh produce is limited, and food inequity is proven. This project addresses local food insecurity through sustainable agriculture using vertical tower gardens. Students will grow fresh produce within the classroom while studying food systems, food insecurity, nutrition, environmental science and engineering. Once growing is complete, students will distribute fresh food to families and community partners. Continuation school students often feel disconnected from traditional schooling, however, through experiences of applied learning; collecting data, refining systems and witnessing the direct impact of their work on their local community, Holcomb hopes the students will feel empowered to pursue innovative opportunities that cultivate both academic growth and hope. He says the Voya grant will be used to purchase a tower garden or two, starter plants, nutrients and essential equipment to effectively launch the project and begin growing crops.