The Academy of International Studies at Rosemont

By receiving the School Garden Grant the Academy of International Studies will have the opportunity to allow the greenhouse on the school property to once again be a valuable and functioning space. The mission statement for our school is to educate each student to be a successful, productive contributor to society by providing powerful teaching and learning opportunities.
A couple of years our school moved to a different building. This new building had a wonderful courtyard area that includes a greenhouse. Unfortunately this space has not been used in years. So after adjusting to our new home we are ready and excited to expand the opportunities offered at our program.
This grant would allow us to get the necessary supplies and tools into establishing an education where our kids can be outside, learn by hands-on experiences, and see how rewarding this opportunity will be first hand. In this urban environment there are few parks and outdoor places for children to play, let alone get the education of actually being involved first hand.
The greenhouse is a well-built structure which is approximately 25 feet by 12 feet. There is one wooden table that is very unstable and a couple of plastic containers. However, there is access to water and electrical outlets inside the greenhouse.
The School Garden Grant would provide the money to buy major items such as a composter system, hoses and reels, tool storage shed and aluminum tables that will last a very long time and will continue to support the project for years to come. These initial one-time costs are very overwhelming when starting a project like this but are vital to make this space functional.