Melissa Dorris, Carla Burgess, Katie Don Carlos and Kelly Rumpel

The team’s innovative teaching idea, “Greenhouse Project,” will address the struggles many students have in a traditional classroom setting. The educators hope it will help them become a meaningful part of the community, and potentially enjoy rewarding and fulfilling careers in the future. The goal of the project is to provide as many real-world learning experiences as possible in a non-traditional school environment, growing students’ academic skills and competencies for employment. Supported by the Voya grant, the team will develop and maintain a functional and productive student-led agricultural greenhouse; promote math and science skills in addition to trade skills and competencies; and collaborate with the local community to identify ways to further partner with them.