Robin Beierle, Gary Miller, Jalynn Dinkins and Doug Walker

The team’s innovative teaching idea, “Seeds of Change, Alternative Education Garden Improvement Project,” involves turning an empty field into something that will feed the community for generations. With the Voya grant, the students will be able to turn a vacant field into a thriving orchard so students can learn by doing and build real skills that could transform their lives. Gladiola High School, the local alternative school educating at-risk students, currently has 10 garden beds, but the teaching team wanted more for the students, including a heated outdoor classroom so learning can happen year-round, fruit trees and a pollinator garden for their bee colonies. The project has the potential for the students to design and renovate the pond, reconstruct the chicken coop and run the school’s farm stand like seasoned entrepreneurs. The program aims to not only grow food, but to also build confidence, develop job skills and cultivate future leaders. Through the program’s paid intern program, students will be able to learn while learning, helping to support their families while mastering construction and agricultural skills. The Voya grant will go toward internship stipends to rebuild the chicken coup, lumber, hardware and concrete.