LAS VEGAS – Green Our Planet, the nation’s leading nonprofit in school garden and hydroponics programs is proud to announce the winners of its second annual SEED (Sustainable, Educational, Entrepreneurial Development) Tank Program Competition, a nationwide student innovation challenge, where young entrepreneurs grow big ideas from the roots up. Supported by the Lincoln Dynamic Foundation, this year’s program empowered students across the country to design innovative solutions that address real-world sustainability challenges.
Now in its second year, the SEED Tank program expanded dramatically from a 2024 pilot of just six projects to 39 incredible projects from 130 students nationwide. Throughout the Fall semester, student teams researched pressing environmental issues and developed hydroponics-inspired innovations that support their schools, communities, and the planet. Six finalist teams then advanced to the national judging panel that included representing leaders across sustainability, education, hospitality, healthcare and nonprofit sectors.
This year’s esteemed panel of judges included:
- Annie Weisman, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
- Ashley Ellis, Whole Kids, a program within Whole Foods Market Foundation
- Bethany Sexton, Hometown Health
- Kat Klehm, Lincoln Dynamic Foundation
- Michael Hostad, Fork Farms
- Pranav Jampani, Starwood Hotels
This year’s SEED Tank winners are:
- First Place: Bishop Walker School (Washington, D.C.)
Project: “Lettuce Help!”
This project aims to support first responders by providing fresh, healthy salads made with hydroponically grown produce. Through the program named “Food on the Stoves, Eat More Salad,” it allows the community to come together to promote wellness and healthy choices.
In honor of winning first place in this year’s SEED Tank Program Competition, Bishop Walker School have been awarded a grand prize of $5,000.
- Second Place: Northeast Career Technical Academy (Las Vegas, NV)
Project: “Evergro”
The “Evergro” project involves the design and implementation of a reusable protective burlap sack that is designed to be lowered over plants to keep natural sunlight in, as well as acting as a natural barrier against pests.
Second place winners, Northeast Career and Technical Academy have been awarded $3,000 as a token of their dedication and hard work.
- Third Place: Weatherford High School (Weatherford, TX)
Project: “Student Seasonings!”
The “Student Seasonings!” project utilizes their hydroponic systems to grow herbs that are then
put into small packets that are given to students to be used to season their food at lunch.
As third place winners of the SEED Tank Program Competition, Weatherford High School have been awarded $2,000.
All funds have been generously donated by the Lincoln Dynamic Foundation, with $10,000 distributed among the winning teams.
“The SEED Tank Program empowers students to think critically about the environment and equips them with entrepreneurial and STEM-based skills that prepare them to be innovators,” said Ciara Byrne, co-founder & CEO of Green Our Planet. “We are thrilled to have implemented this program in its second year and hope to further expand to schools across the country in the coming years.”
The SEED Tank program aims to encourage critical thinking about sustainability and community challenges, provide students with a platform to showcase their ideas and innovations, while increasing student engagement in STEM, climate change and environmental initiatives. Ultimately, the program empowers students to become changemakers that are making tangible, real-world impact in their schools and communities.
For more information on Green Our Planet, please visit greenourplanet.org.
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About Green Our Planet:
Green Our Planet is an EdTech conservation 501(c)3 nonprofit that runs STEM school garden and hydroponics programs in the United States and beyond. Green Our Planet’s programs enhance student academic performance, inspire environmental stewardship in students, and promote students to embrace healthy eating habits, while also tackling food deserts where access to fresh produce is limited. Spanning 44 states and 5 countries, Green Our Planet has implemented programs in over 1,100 schools, impacting more than 500,000 students. As one of the largest school garden and hydroponics programs in the U.S., Green Our Planet is inspiring the next generation of scientists, farmers, nutritionists, entrepreneurs and conservationists.
For more information or to apply for a program, visit www.greenourplanet.org
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