US (NY): Senator, US Representative attend ribbon-cutting for hydroponic classroom

On February 14th, NY Sun Works gathered with Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, school leaders, teachers, parents and students at Thomas Edison High School in Queens for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a new hydroponic classroom designed to foster a love of science, nature and gardening among students. U.S. Representative Grace Meng and a representative for Assembly Member David Weprin also joined the celebration of this new resource in their community.

"At NY Sun Works, we are committed to ensuring that every public school child in New York City, no matter where they were born or where they go to school, receives a high-quality science education," said NY Sun Works Executive Director Manuela Zamora. "After eight years of partnership with Thomas Edison High School, we are delighted to be able to build a second Hydroponic Classroom so that all students in the school can now engage in hands-on science learning through urban farming."

NY Sun Works has worked in the school since 2017. With this generous grant from NYS Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, teachers can expand the reach of the program beyond special education and life skills students to general education students. Through the Summer Youth Employment Program NY Sun Works also piloted an urban agriculture workforce development program at this school in 2022 which saw students from the school take part in live interview training and receive feedback from experienced industry professionals.

"As a principal, I know firsthand that partnerships are everything. That is how our students succeed and I can tell you that New York Sun Works is an amazing partner. I've seen the growth in our students as they transition to a college or career-readiness pathway," said Principal Moses Ojeda.

"I am so pleased to have secured funding for this hydroponic lab. The metaphor of planting a seed applies to what we're doing here with education. We are investing today in students so they will bloom fully in the future. This to me is the most important thing," said Senator Toby Ann Stavisky.

"This new hydroponic classroom will be an exceptional way for more students to learn about the importance of climate and sustainability," said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens). "It will serve as a valuable hands-on resource for students, and further enhance science education in our borough, all while preparing our future workforce for science and green careers. I'm thrilled to join Thomas A. Edison High School and New York Sun Works to celebrate the launching of this exciting project, and I thank Senator Stavisky for securing the funding for it."

"We are teaching students the science of harvesting and growing their own food. We're making sure they understand healthy eating and how hydroponics is something deeply practical. This type of produce is going straight into restaurants and grocery stores. It's real learning that also has the STEM enriched backgrounds within," said District Superintendent Josephine Van-Ess.