P.S. 147 (325 Bushwick Avenue) also known as the School for Environmental Engineering was one of the first ten schools in NYC to provide hands-on climate and sustainability education. In 2013 in partnership with NY Sun Works a hydroponic lab was built. A renovation and expansion of this lab was moved to a double-size classroom and revealed on March 14, 2024. This will allow more students to actively engage in an urban farming and climate education experience.
“The program expanded to include additional hydroponic grow systems, as well as an aquaponic system — doubling the capacity of food production in the classroom,” said P.S. 147 Principal Sandra Noyola.
“Our hydroponic classrooms and curriculum strive to encourage students to explore opportunities and experiences in STEM. We are committed to empowering a new generation of scientists, climate advocates and community leaders to create solutions to local and global climate challenges,” said NY Sun Works Executive Director Manuela Zamora.
Funding for the renovation of the classroom (including new cabinets, a new sink, new furniture, etc.) and the expansion of the hydroponic and aquaponic program was provided by then Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams through a Fiscal Year 2022 capital funding allocation. In addition, the lab improvements benefited from the combined support of local elected officials including NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and St. Nicks Alliance.
“As students engage in hands-on, meaningful learning through the hydroponic lab’s engaging climate and sustainability educational curricula, we create an equitable pathway that will help students learn ways to combat climate challenges, foster green skills and influence students’ interests later in life. Together, we empower our youngest learners to be agents of change in a warming world that demands innovative outside of the box thinking and problem solving,” said P.S. 147 Principal Sandra Noyola.
“To mount a successful fight against climate change, we need young people involved, and I am confident that through this continued partnership and a newly renovated hydroponic farm classroom, even more students will be empowered to make meaningful change in our world,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
NY Sun Works in a press release informed that partner schools like P.S. 147 will continue to receive professional development training for science educators and weekly visits from a hydroponic specialist to guide teachers in hydroponic systems maintenance, provide planting, harvest, and produce distribution support; and clean, prep, and troubleshoot systems.
“Schools know that to prepare the next generation for tomorrow, curricula must include STEAM and adapting to climate change, which includes learning how to sustainably grow our own food. P.S. 147 is an incredible community that gives so much to our children and families, and I’m thrilled to support NY Sun Works and this amazing resource for everyone to thrive,” said NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez on Instagram.
The Greenline 