Student Idea Sparks Ag Learning Lab in Kentucky School

By Blake Jackson

A simple question from a middle school student has blossomed into a transformative educational space rooted in collaboration, agricultural learning, and community engagement.

On April 2, Fayette County Public Schools, Kentucky State University, and Farm Credit Mid-America marked the grand opening of a greenhouse and land lab at Tates Creek Middle School.

The project traces back to a request from student Avery Adams: “Can we get some gardens? Like a greenhouse?” Now a sophomore at Tates Creek High School and Locust Trace AgriScience Center, Adams returned to witness the realization of that vision.

The ceremony featured remarks from local and institutional leaders, followed by student-led demonstrations highlighting hands-on learning activities already underway, including hydroponics, aquaponics, and other innovative growing systems.

The new facility is designed to expand experiential learning opportunities in plant science, agriscience, and food production.

Students will explore advanced growing methods such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics, while also gaining knowledge in food safety, marketing, and farm management.

“This was about creating a space where learning feels real,” said Eli Parham, agriscience teacher at Tates Creek Middle School. “This space represents access and opportunity. And it’s all driven by curiosity and student leaders.”

For Kentucky State University, the project reflects its land-grant mission to extend education beyond campus and into the community. As President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo shared, “This collaboration was truly led by the community, for the community, to enhance learning opportunities to students.”

He added, “The Outdoor Classroom poses an exciting opportunity for students from Tates Creek Middle School to learn the best agricultural practices both in theory and through hands-on practice led by our distinguished Kentucky State University faculty.”

“This is the perfect example where we have partners who are excited to come together and work together, and students who are truly interested and invested in the project,” said Dr. Marcus Bernard.

The greenhouse will also support farm-to-fork initiatives and provide fresh food access, reinforcing its broader impact on both students and the surrounding community.

Photo Credit: kentucky-state-university