GROWINGFORWARD The Campaign for
THE GREEN HOUSE
VENTURE
OUR MISSION “Our mission is to educate, excite, and equip an inclusive
population of elementary students to pursue a sustainable world through a hands-on program in bio-science and urban agriculture.”
We advance our mission through accessible, best practice programs taught in a working urban agricultural environment to achieve the following goals: Introduce children to a rich, hands-on experience that improves bio-science education
Increase student knowledge of and appreciation for proper nutrition, and encourage children and their families to adopt healthy and sustainable urban agriculture practices Lead more students to potential careers in bio-science to meet the pressing needs to fill emerging jobs in STEM and agriculture
“This program can make a
difference in the lives of young people throughout our region”
— Fred Pestello President, St. Louis University 2
WELCOME St. Louis has emerged as the “bio-belt” of the country. We have a large and continually growing number of businesses and institutions geared towards plant/medical sciences and biotechnology. However, the demand for talent in this burgeoning economic sector outpaces the supply of local scientists. How do we support our education systems so that we can propel local talent into the STEM workforce? How do we take advantage of local assets and maximize resources to develop effective and lasting educational and economic solutions for St. Louis? Since 2015, THE GREEN HOUSE (GHV) has advanced a rare collaborative model, partnering elementary schools, universities, local institutions, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and others, to drive innovative STEM education programs that promote scientific discovery. Our pluralistic approach efficiently exposes racially and economically diverse students to career opportunities in the sciences while building a talent pipeline to meet emerging demands.
GHV began as a start-up with limited resources.
Driven by volunteers, we have achieved a credible record of program success through our Urban Education Alliance. Moreover, we recently completed construction of the Embankment Greenway / Terrace Garden. This resource offers an accessible, experiential outdoor growing environment, creatively located on an underutilized highway embankment, while providing a vibrant
ecosystem of indigenous plantings and pollinator gardens. The Embankment Greenway/Terrace Garden represents Phase I of THE GREEN HOUSE VENTURE Campus plan. Today, we are excited and poised to embark on Phase 2 of our Campus vision with the launch of our $6 million campaign for the construction of the new Education Center. This technology-rich science learning facility will advance innovative, hands-on curriculum among Urban Education Alliance schools, stakeholders, and the larger community. This centerpiece of the Campus will feature both indoor and outdoor growing spaces, fish cultivation with aquaponic tanks, and videography capabilities to telecast experiments and lessons.
URBAN EDUCATION ALLIANCE SCHOOLS St. Margaret of Scotland School Mullanphy Investigative Learning Center Tower Grove Christian Academy St. Louis Language Immersion School
3
THE NEW EDUCATIONAL CENTER AND GREENHOUSE FACILITY “Every single boy and girl
born in the world has the same potential for greatness that any of us, but it’s the opportunity gap. And I think that there are things that we can do to bridge that opportunity gap. The Green House Venture is an example of that.”
— Sam Fiorello President Cortex
Innovative Community
The new Education Center will follow universal design strategies as well as best sustainable building practices to ensure accessibility and longevity while promoting green technology. The center will have 9,000 square feet of space for gardens, classrooms, and urban agricultural areas for students to gain hands-on experience in STEM curriculum. Inside, students will have access to their own growing gallery featuring fish-breeding tanks and soilless beds. In the main production greenhouse, they will encounter floating rafts, wicking troughs, and growing towers, all using fish waste to nourish the plants, which in turn clean the water for the fish. A demonstration kitchen, multi-purpose classroom, and lab will provide spaces for more advanced learning and exploration. Outside, students will work with seasonal crops growing in several distinctive garden areas including a climbing-fruit courtyard, a roof-top garden, raised beds, and terraces along Interstate Highway 44. Students will maintain gardens for bee and butterfly pollinators, learning the importance of native plant species and biodiversity to ensure a healthy environment.
NORTH ELEVATION EAST ELEVATION
4
This state-of-the-art facility will enable students from around the St. Louis region to engage in various ways of growing and producing food year-round in the heart of the city. KEY FEATURES Multipurpose classrooms and labs for experiments/demonstrations Aquaponics systems for soilless agriculture and fish cultivation Elevated technology for broadcasting, media education, and expanding collaborations
While at the greenhouse, students will also encounter advanced science and engineering technologies, including:
Outdoor classrooms and growing spaces
Solar arrays and hydrogen cells
Greenhouse spaces and different kinds of gardens (pollinator, trellis, terrace, ozone, etc.)
An ozone garden
Demonstration kitchen for nutrition lessons and preparation of food grown in gardens
A weather station Sustainable heating and cooling systems Rainwater collection systems for irrigating plants and minimizing runoff
Event space and gallery
SOUTH ELEVATION WEST ELEVATION
5
LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION. BIO-BELT Our focus on bioscience education is relevant to industry in the bio-belt. We have the opportunity to unlock the potential of homegrown talent to serve our economy.
SOUTH CENTRAL ST. LOUIS CITY The Campus is a truly collaborative urban space that engages diverse students in STEM. Our four Urban Education Alliance partner schools combined with students from across the region fosters a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, and creativity. The Campus is in close proximity to our higher education partners, St. Louis University, Harris Stowe State University, Washington University, St. Louis Community College, and the University of Missouri Extension Service, elevating the culture of academic success.
Nearby hospitals like BJC and Cardinal Glennon offer further STEM opportunities, particularly in terms of biomedical sciences. We are close to CORTEX, the heart of innovation and bio-technology in our region. The highly anticipated brickway trail will be constructed near Campus.
NEIGHBORHOOD BASED Located on Lawrence and DeTonty Street in the City St. Louis THE GREEN HOUSE VENTURE Education Center will be nestled among vibrant, diverse neighborhoods, including Shaw, Botanical Heights, and Midtown. Tower Grove Park, a Venture Partner, and the Missouri Botanical Garden also sit adjacent to the Urban Education Alliance, allowing for accessible field trips and outdoor education opportunities.
< View looking west on DeTonty
View looking east on DeTonty >
6
“The Green House Venture collaboration among four highly diverse schools in the Urban Education Alliance is distinctive and unique in several important ways. I’m impressed with its extraordinary educational programs, such as the curriculum in bio-science and urban agriculture for elementary school students. Their Embankment Greenway along Interstate 44 is among the first of its kind to be endorsed and supported by the Missouri Department of Transportation. When it comes to innovative initiatives that boost the image of our region, the Venture stands out as a truly exceptional program.”
— Tishaura O. Jones Mayor of St. Louis l
oo n Sch o i s r e es) e Imm g a u .7 mil g 3 n ( a L L T S OWN . Louis
St City Garden Montessori
NT
D DOW
TE LOCA
International Institute Garden Thurman Underpass & Prairie Restoration
Mullanphy School
St. Margaret of Scotland School
Missouri Botanical Garden
Tower Grove Christian Academy
Tower Grove Park
International Institute
7
MILESTONES 2015
2016
2017
••• GHV formed, incorporated, by-laws established, and 501c3 approved. ••• MOU with Urban Education Alliance members. ••• Higher Education Advisory Committee formed with Harris Stowe, Saint Louis University, St. Louis Community College and Washington University ••• Land purchased from the Land Reutilization Authority at the corner of DeTonty and Lawrence for the site of the new Education Center
••• DTLS completed landscape design strategy for embankment greenway / terrace garden ••• Don Stump started ambassador curriculum program
••• Lease executed with MODOT for 3+ acre tract on southside of I-44 ••• Transportation provided to students ••• Food Computers and Growth Chambers launched and located at alliance schools
2018
••• Three-year curriculum cycle developed ••• Embankment seeded with Native landscape solutions ••• Terrace garden designed ••• After school programming improvements with alliance members
2019
••• ••• ••• ••• •••
2020
••• GHV Campus concept Phase 1 completed with construction of Embankment Greenway Terrace Garden ••• Undergraduate mentor program established
2021
••• ••• ••• •••
Summer program established at Tower Grove Park Lab Van program with St. Louis Community College Highway Safety guardrail financed by GHV Partnership with Danforth Plant Science Science Day for ambassadors at Washington University ••• Fourth graduation lab-coat ceremony ••• Saint Louis University Nutrition and Dietetics Program
Entry gardens to Campus completed UIC final design of Education Center approved Partnership with Saint Louis Zoo/Coahoma Orchards Master Gardener program initiated
GROWING THE FUTURE ••• New plantings spring 2022 ••• New summer camp 2022 ••• Construction of Education Center begins in early 2023 ••• Center opens in fall 2024 8
GHV has a broader vision to become a model for nationwide elementary education in bioscience and urban agriculture. To ensure the broadest possible reach, the Venture plans to employ state-of-the-art communication technology to share its programs with other elementary schools across the St. Louis region and beyond.
EMBANKMENT GREENWAY/ TERRACE GARDEN
GHV completed Phase 1 of the Campus by building
the Embankment Greenway/Terrace Gardens on the side of Interstate 44. This creative, first-of-its kind development in St. Louis utilizes urban spaces as reinvented growing areas. Here, the focus is native species including Indiginous and African American plantings, pollinator-friendly plants, and fully accessible agricultural beds for children of all abilities.
“This Greenway is important for the community because… we are the first in the entire Midwest area to do something like this.”
— Donald Stump, Ph.D.
Vice-President, Professor Saint Louis University
The 3.5 acre Embankment Greenway has been replanted, and we constructed the 8,000 square-foot Terrace Garden that is dedicated to growing nutritious plants that students will tend throughout the year. We are proud that GHV is one of the first groups in the Midwest, following a 2015 directive from the Federal Highway Administration, to integrate pollinator-friendly practices into landscape design and programs for managing underutilized roadside vegetation. 9
GROWING FORWARD... IN PARTNERSHIP “St. Louis has the great distinction of having the most
plant scientists of any city in North America. We have three research universities, all of them hosting botanists.
I really hope that many of these kids realize this is a fantastic career.”
— Gerardo Camilo, Ph.D.
Billiken Bee Lab Saint Louis University
The GREEN HOUSE VENTURE is unique in its scope and innovative in its pluralistic vision as a resource for providing bioscience education to students across the St. Louis region and beyond. Budgeting, fundraising, and resource allocation can be difficult when pursued by a lone organization. In collaboration with similarly focused groups, results can be achieved efficiently and with reciprocal benefits for all involved. The Urban Education Alliance is a leader in exemplifying how partnership can lead to much greater success for the region.
URBAN EDUCATION ALLIANCE Four independent elementary schools with more than 1,570 racially, socially, and economically diverse students, coming together from 58 zip codes in a collaborative community setting. Built around the distinctive programs of these schools, the Alliance is pioneering a model of integration to meet shared STEM educational goals. 10
ST. MARGARET OF SCOTLAND SCHOOL Christine Burke, Principal
A Catholic parish school in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, dedicated to faith in action and academic excellence 3854 Flad Avenue, St. Louis 63110 • (314) 776-0363 www.smos-school.org @SMOSstl
MULLANPHY INVESTIGATIVE LEARNING CENTER Kelly Casper, Principal
A St. Louis Public School, designated as a science magnet 4221 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110 • (314) 772-0994 www.slps.org/Domain/1294 @MullanphyPTO
TOWER GROVE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Michael Gregory, Head of School, Elizabeth Hoelker, Principal
A private school equipping students with excellence in academics, athletics, and character 4257 Magnolia Ave, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 • (314) 776-6473 www.tgcaonline.com @towergrovechristianacademy
ST. LOUIS LANGUAGE IMMERSION SCHOOL Meghan Hill, Superintendent
A public charter network offering International Baccalaureate Education in Spanish, French, and Mandarin
“…stakeholders have gotten together to do something fantastic for children, to excite them about science,
to try to change our region, through investing in young people and having them actually not just learn science, but do science.”
— Deb Patterson
Retired, VP Global Contributions & Community Engagement, Monsanto
1881 Pine Street, St. Louis 63103 • (314) 399-4835 www.sllis.org @StLouisLanguageImmersionSchool 11
Higher Education Advisory Committee This consortium of representatives from notable colleges and universities across the St. Louis region. The partnership with the High Education Advisory Committee has significantly expanded the Venture’s scope through programs, demonstrations, and field trips involving university collaborators.
“Realizing and empowering the
potential of youth in continuous efforts to improve the communities they live in and to impact global challenges of sustainability through exploring solutions in their own neighborhoods is core to the mission of the Green House Venture Project. The work that our youth produce today will shape thriving communities for the St. Louis region and beyond.”
— Dr. Freddie E. Wills, Jr., Ph.D. Campaign Co-Chair & Vice President for
12
STEM Initiatives and Research Partnerships
DANFORTH PLANT SCIENCE CENTER
National leaders in nutrition research and supporters of STEM education programs
TOWER GROVE PARK
Victorian park of international significance that provides recreational, educational and cultural opportunities
MODOT
Providing a world-class transportation system that is safe, innovative, reliable, and dedicated to a prosperous Missouri – partners in the creative use of the embankment
OPERATION FOOD SEARCH
Distributing more than $35 million worth of food to 330 community partners
DTLS
Landscape architects and urban designers, offering innovative ideas and practical solutions for building nurturing relationships between people and nature
SWITCH
An innovative agency that delivers an array of services to clients, including branded content and design, live event production, digital and social media, and consumer events
GROWING FORWARD... OUR $6 MILLION CAMPAIGN Please join us in supporting Phase 2 of our plan to advance our vision for elementary education in bio-science and urban agriculture. $4 Million will construct the new Education Center $2 Million will provide seed funding to ramp up operations. This special fund will also ensure maintenance for the new facility.
“The Greenhouse Venture is destined
to become an important community asset. Educating students and parents on healthy and sustainable food and habits, and creating a renewable food source in parts of the Saint Louis community where it is most needed.”
— John Nickel
Campaign Co-Chair & Co-owner, Switch
13
JOIN US IN OUR EDUCATIONAL MISSION “There are lots of ways of giving,
and you do it in a way that’s more notable. If you give or do any kind of volunteerism, you know, you always get more than you then you give.” — John and Joan Vatterott
Honorary Chairs
Together, we have an incredible opportunity to realize the full vision of THE GREEN HOUSE VENTURE for St. Louis and other elementary schools across the nation. Your tax-deductible gift to support our capital campaign is greatly appreciated — the methods of giving are numerous.
Naming Opportunities Meaningful Naming Opportunities and Donor Recognition are offered through this campaign. Please talk with a campaign committee member to discuss available opportunities.
Special Tributes Giving to GHV’s Growing Forward campaign offers opportunities for creating tribute gifts. Gifts and pledges may be made In Memoriam, or In Honor of individuals, families, or organizations.
Recurring Gifts In addition to making a one-time gift, you also have the option of setting up monthly or annual contributions. By charging your credit or debit card each month or year, you will be breaking your gift into manageable contributions while making a tremendous impact on the campaign.
Matching Gifts Gifts of cash
Contact your corporation to see if they match the charitable contributions made by their employees.
Securities
How to Give Present your completed commitment form to a GHV Campaign Committee Member.
Planned Gifts
IRA Rollover
3-5 Year Pledges
IN-KIND
Mail completed pledge form to: The Green House Venture P.O. Box 4203 St. Louis, MO 63163 Make checks payable to:
THE GREEN HOUSE VENTURE Visit www.greenhousestl.org
14
GROWING FORWARD...
Starts today!
“With the Green House Venture you get to interact, like hands on, with way more things than you would in a normal science class.”
— GHV Ambassador/student
w w w.G R EEN H O USE STL .o rg