Julie Wallace

Wallace’s innovative teaching idea, “Aquaponics Workforce,” involves having high school students operate a multi-system aquaponics facility, producing food for local schools while applying science, solving real problems and teaching younger students. This project strengthens an established student-led program integrating science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), agriculture, and workforce training through sustainable food production. Students will manage fish breeding, plant production, water chemistry monitoring and harvesting products distributed to three school districts. According to Wallace, they will apply scientific concepts in a real setting and troubleshoot system challenges across multiple systems. As a bonus, the students will extend their learning by teaching kindergarten and guiding 5th grade applied science lessons. Students will also work toward industry-aligned micro-credentials in land-based aquaculture through the University of Maine. Wallace believes this project strengthens rural workforce readiness while increasing access to locally produced food. The Voya grant will be used for water and air pumps, digital pH meters and eight test kits, fish food and seeds, and other materials like hoses, fittings, PVC and overall maintenance.