CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The READY Program school in Champaign is implementing a new greenhouse to teach students STEM and how to grow their own food. Ann Swanson is the urban agriculture teacher at the school and has dedicated years to providing her students with this learning experience.
"It gets our youth out of these sterile classrooms, and it gets them to be able to do hands-on experiments. And it's not just about horticulture, it's about environmental science, it's about microclimate, it's about building and trades. Kids get to use power tools and measuring tape to help us increase the build for the facility," Swanson said.
In addition to the greenhouse, there is a building that will be renovated into a classroom so students can learn regardless of the weather. Not only will students plant and grow produce, but they will also share their produce with those in the community in need. Swanson said this new addition was long in the making, as she has written several grants and found non-profits.
"Especially with our youth today, we are targeting at-risk communities here in Champaign-Urbana. We are working with people who are food insecure, growing food for them to be distributed out in the community. We're working with at-risk populations. And so, I really want my students and dreamhouse students to see the impact that they're making in the community," Swanson said.
One student, a high school junior, thanked Swanson for "bringing this space back to life."
"It makes me want to tear up right now. You know, sometimes teaching can be a thankless job, and I've been a chef, and I've been a farmer, but I've never been more emotionally exhausted after work than being a teacher. And to see that, that some of what we give is recognized by them and given back by them, is that's all we hope for," Swanson said.
The greenhouse has already made huge progress from breaking ground Monday and should be completed by the end of the week. The outdoor classroom will take longer, but Swanson said she is still working on finding partners to help.
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
