The expansion of brand-new, state-of-the-art hydroponic farms into public schools across Brooklyn has been announced.
Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez recently presented a check worth $800,000 in funding to NY Sun Works — a New York-based nonprofit that delivers science and sustainability education through urban farming to K-12 students — to provide schools in Brooklyn and Queens with hydroponic farm technology to enhance each school’s science curriculum.
Congresswoman Valazquez and NY Sun Works Executive Director Manuela Zamora announced the expansion over a two-day period at a handful of schools involved in the program.
“We are honored to be part of this historic investment in Brooklyn and Queens to bring this expansion to fruition that will not only enrich the science curriculum in schools but empower and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM,” said Manuela Zamora, NY Sun Works Executive Director.
“Congresswoman Velázquez is committed to bringing hands-on 21st-century urban farming education, climate and food justice to the forefront to thousands of public school students. Our cutting-edge technology teaches responsible stewardship, the ability to grow their own food from seed to harvest and share fresh, nutritious produce with their community.”
A total of 13 Brooklyn public schools and seven schools in Queens will receive the hydroponic systems.
The participating Brooklyn schools are: J.H.S. 050 John D. Wells, P.S. 110 The Monitor, P.S. 67 Charles A. Dorsey, P.S. 132 The Conselyea School, P.S. 145 Andrew Jackson, PS 151 Lyndon B. Johnson, PS 250 George H. Lindsay, Lyons Community School, Benjamin Banneker Academy, Bridges: A School for Exploration and Equity, P.S. 120 Carlos Tapia, P.S. 86 The Irvington and P.S. 299 Thomas Warren Field.
“We are excited to have the support of Congresswoman Velázquez and NY Sun Works to provide our school community with an urban farming curriculum that will enrich our science program,” said P.S. 299 Thomas Warren Field School of Leadership and Service Principal Dr. Carleen Miller-Bailey.
“Our students deserve the best education possible and bringing state-of-the-art technology like the hydroponic system to our school is a game changer for our community and we hope to inspire future scientists who will be change agents and global leaders.”
