Hydroponics STEM Program
Our Hydroponics STEM Program serves as an instrument for developing a positive relationship between the historical influence and significance of Black people in agriculture. This program teaches healthy independent eating to youth in central Milwaukee food insecure zones. The goal is to provide a sense of pride in their history by curating a healthy eating environment and exploring opportunities in underrepresented environmental career paths.
Mission
· Increase the desire for healthy eating habits
· Supplement the lack of healthy eating choices
· Provide hands-on experience with STEM technology
· Exposure to environmental careers
Impact
· Milwaukee has 13 food-insecure zones as of 2021
· The Neighborhoods of Amani and Muskego Way have some of the highest rates of obesity compared to the rest of the Milwaukee
· Between 2017-2021 15% (2559 total) of Agricultural Degrees were awarded to Blacks/Latinos
Target Neighborhoods
Amani
· Over half of residents live in households with incomes below the poverty line, compared to the rest of the City of Milwaukee.
· 50% of households below the poverty line are 18 years old or younger.
​Muskego Way
· Over a quarter of the neighborhood’s households have incomes below the poverty line, compared to the rest of the City of Milwaukee.
· 30% of households below the poverty line are 18 years old or younger.
Program Overview
· Hydroponic technology
· Hands-on Planting
· Basic Botany
· Food Health Education
· Mechanical Engineering
· Entrepreneurship
· Project Management
· Community Sustainability
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Community Partners
SNAP Wisconsin George Moss Foundation The Community
Community Partners
