Some of the most powerful updates we receive aren't about milestones or visits but rather the everyday impact. That's exactly what we heard recently from the Individual Learning Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon, where a student-built hydroponics system continues to thrive well past its original launch.
"It's been incredibly impactful for our students," the teacher lead shared. "Having an indoor food garden has created meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities, and students are really taking ownership of the space. It's been especially powerful in helping them connect concepts around sustainability, food systems, and climate action to something tangible in their daily lives."
Originally built from scratch by students to integrate with two pre-made systems, the garden was born out of necessity. Sourcing parts in the North can take a long time, so students partnered with local farms, universities, and hydroponics experts to design and code their own automation systems for watering and nutrients. That resourcefulness is still paying off today: the garden is currently producing fresh tomatoes, lettuce, kale, arugula, basil, mint, and even morning glory flowers, supplying produce that reaches 140 students and 200 community members through the school's cafeteria.
"I want to be involved in taking care of the gardens, and I am excited to have access to fresh vegetables year round. It will be neat to have fresh food growing inside when it's -40°C outside in the winter." - Crystal Charlie, Student
Check out our Hydroponic Systems Resource Guide.
Want to learn more about the Individual Learning Centre's journey from idea to indoor harvest? Check out their full solution story on our website: https://nowfornetzero.org/solution-story/individual-learning-centre/