Tates Creek Middle School (TCMS) lacked the technical support needed to initiate its greenhouse and land lab, limiting its ability to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in hydroponics, aquaponics, and sustainable agriculture.

The Kentucky State University (KSU) Community Resource Development (CRD) and Aquaculture teams collaborated to address this need by installing multiple systems, including Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Dutch bucket, 5-gallon bucket hydroponics, and a media bed aquaponics system.

The initiative reached 100 students, educators, and community stakeholders.

In the short term, participants increased their knowledge and developed hands-on skills in hydroponics and aquaponics. In the medium term, the greenhouse systems are being integrated into classroom learning and student activities. In the long term, the program is expected to enhance agricultural career awareness, support workforce development, and improve access to fresh, locally grown food.