Our School Garden Challenge
APPLICATIONS DUE BY October 31st - SITES accepted on a rolling basis.
What We’re Tackling
Many schools in Los Angeles, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, lack access to green space, fresh food, and hands-on education. Without support, even well-intentioned garden programs fall into disrepair.
We address this by equipping schools with funding, training, and mentorship and empowering students to lead. Students learn to grow food, care for ecosystems, and advocate for healthier, more sustainable communities.
This fall, we’re inviting five high school sites to join our pilot Gardening Challenge. It’s a chance to put our curriculum, materials, and mentorship to work in creating the most impactful, innovative, and sustainable school gardens. What will they grow? How will they engage their communities? How can we work together, and what can we learn from one another? Let’s find out, together.
What Schools Receive
To help schools bring their garden visions to life, each participating site receives:
$1,200 teacher stipend
Curriculum for after-school garden and leadership programming
Garden materials and supplies to design or expand a school garden
Mentorship and training from environmental educators
Opportunities to showcase impact at a citywide celebration
Students learn to grow food, care for ecosystems, and inspire their communities through teamwork and creativity.
Judging Criteria
Our panel of judges evaluates each school based on:
Garden Design & Innovation – Creativity, sustainability, and functionality
Food Access & Environmental Impact – Produce grown, composting, waste reduction, and educational outreach
Student Leadership & Teamwork – Student ownership, organization, and collaboration
Community Engagement – Partnerships, volunteer events, and family participation
Presentation & Storytelling – Clarity, visuals, and ability to communicate impact
Who We’re Looking For
Schools
Must have an existing garden or a space suitable for starting one (courtyard, raised beds, planters, or open soil)
Have at least 10 students interested in joining the after-school garden club or program
Can identify one or two lead teachers or staff members to serve as the site coordinator and mentor students weekly
Have administrative support for hosting garden activities and community events on campus
Are passionate about sustainability, food access, and student leadership
are located within Los Angeles County, with priority given to Title I schools and those in areas with limited green space
Judges
We’re inviting passionate community leaders and professionals to serve as judges:
Environmentalists, landscape designers, and master gardeners
Educators and youth advocates
Civic and community leaders
Creative professionals and media storytellers
Corporate and foundation partners in sustainability or education
Judges can attend showcase events, visit sites, and provide feedback to student teams.
Sponsors
Sponsorships fund student stipends, garden materials, transportation, and event costs.
We’re seeking partners who care about:
Environmental justice and sustainability
Health and wellness
Youth education and leadership
Food access and urban agriculture
Design, construction, or landscaping
Sponsors receive recognition across all program materials, social media, and events, with opportunities to volunteer, mentor, or co-host workshops.
Why It Matters
When young people, especially those in communities most impacted by environmental injustice, are given the tools to create change, they grow into lifelong stewards of their neighborhoods and the planet.
By 2030, we aim to support 20+ campuses, activating thousands of students to grow food, build green infrastructure, and transform Los Angeles into a healthier, more equitable, and more resilient city from the ground up.