Abilene ISD -

Imagine a day next fall when a Culinary Arts student at The LIFT can walk to a new greenhouse built by their classmates and pick fresh tomatoes or other vegetables. That student will then use the fresh produce to prepare a meal for class, The Sky Café, or a catered dinner.

At ATEMS, a science student can study sustainable agriculture practices and the science behind plant growth in the same greenhouse. These diverse learning opportunities, from culinary arts to sustainable agriculture, are just a glimpse of the potential of the greenhouse project at The LIFT, made possible by the $25,000 grant from the Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA).

Jay Ashby, director of The LIFT, requested a $25,000 grant from the DCOA earlier this year for the supplies, tools, and resources to construct an approximately 200-square-foot Sustainable Learning Greenhouse. The DCOA awarded the grant for a project that will offer students valuable hands-on learning experiences during the construction phase and through ongoing, sustainable educational programs.

The project aligns with the NextU program, a career development initiative that supports students in pursuing careers in various fields. This alignment highlights the project's educational value and contribution to preparing students for the workforce.

According to Misty Mayo, DCOA president and chief executive officer, this project perfectly aligns with the organization’s mission. The DCOA is dedicated to investing in student education opportunities and preparing them for the workforce or further education after high school.

“What sets this project apart for the DCOA is its unique ability to engage students from a wide range of disciplines and areas of study,” Mayo noted. “This project spans the spectrum, involving students in fields as diverse as construction and culinary arts. Yet, this very diversity allows students from different disciplines to collaborate, fostering a workforce-ready mindset.”

Construction on the greenhouse will begin next spring and involve students from The LIFT in every phase, from planning and construction to maintenance and operation. Students will gain practical, hands-on experience beyond theory and the classroom. They will learn technical skills in their respective fields and develop soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and project management.

“This project perfectly exemplifies our mission to prepare students for the workforce and post-secondary education,” Ashby said. “These skills are essential for workplace success and give students a competitive edge when applying for jobs or further education after graduation.”

The build is a student-led project, with Construction, Electrical, and Engineering students leading the way. LIFT instructors and professional contractors will serve as mentors to ensure safety and compliance with building codes. The partnership will allow students to work alongside industry experts and gain insight into professional standards and practices.

The greenhouse will touch five of the 12 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs: Engineering, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Welding, and Construction. Each area is integral to the greenhouse's construction and long-term functionality. The project provides real-world, hands-on learning experiences that tie classroom instruction directly to workforce skills. It also highlights DCOA’s investment in the future of the Abilene labor force.

“We hear every day that companies need higher-skilled, better-prepared workers for their companies,” Mayo said. “So how are we going to provide those workers?  We have to do it through our school districts. And I know the school districts understand the responsibility that goes with that.

“This is how the DCOA contributes to the solution of creating the workforce and workers of tomorrow,” Mayo emphasized. “It's a crucial step towards ensuring the success of our community and meeting the workforce needs of our local companies."