Sowing Seeds of Change: How Ascend Students Are Growing Green Spaces and Community Impact
Teacher Resource Grants are not just about funding—they’re about finding new ways to support your students and connect them to the world of learning beyond the classroom.
Our Environmental Science Teacher Resource Grants enhance environmental science curriculum through projects, supplies, and professional development. Through this program, any TK-12th grade teacher working at a Title 1 public school in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Santa Clara, San Francisco or San Mateo County can expand their students’ horizons, connecting their in-classroom learning with hands-on real world experiences.
PVF loves to hear from teachers, grantees and partner organizations about their experiences. Read a letter from 8th grade teacher Jessica Kunz at ASCEND, an Education For Change School in Oakland, who was awarded a $1,000 grant for her students to design a project proposal answering the big question “How can we improve the air quality in our community?”.
“My students presented their work to our community during our exposition of learning, and community visitors voted on their preferred projects. The winning projects related to improving our air quality received funding, and we have been putting their plans into place.
8th graders collaboratively researched plants that improved the air quality, and came up with ideas for which plants we could purchase to improve indoor air quality. We held a raffle for folks in our community to enter if they are interested in getting a plant to improve the air quality – both indoors and outside. We specifically chose plants that are particularly effective at improving air quality.
For the other winning project, we were inspired to make the project happen that would allow us to increase healthy food access in our community – including installing a greenhouse! We grew plants from seed and starters, had a group of 7th and 8th graders caretake the plants in raised beds and the greenhouse once a week, designed a logo, and held ASCEND Organics produce stands to sell fresh, healthy food to our community.
We are continuing this work, as students have been inspired to continue to grow food to support our community. I truly appreciate your ongoing support of helping me implement student projects and making their learning meaningful – it truly keeps me inspired as an educator to have your support in helping students implement the environmental projects they design, and benefit our community.”
PVF had the opportunity to speak with the teacher leading the gardening program at ASCEND, who shared how deeply the students care about transforming their neighborhoods. Many of these young changemakers have expressed a desire to create more green spaces in their community that have been long overlooked. They’re not just growing plants—they’re growing a vision for equity, sustainability, and community pride.
From Kindergarten through 5th grade, every student at Ascend participates in a weekly gardening unit. This hands-on experience is teaching them about biology, environmental stewardship, teamwork, and the power of perseverance. Currently, the students are growing a variety of produce, including potatoes, radishes, strawberries, and tomatoes. With each seed planted, they are cultivating more than just food—they’re nurturing hope, responsibility, and a sense of agency.
What stood out most was the students’ passion and purpose. They see gardening not only as a school activity but as a tool for social change. In areas where green space is scarce, these students dream of transforming vacant lots and neglected corners into vibrant gardens that feed bodies and uplift spirits.
The work being done at ASCEND is a beautiful reminder that meaningful change often begins with our youngest citizens. With support, education, and a patch of soil, these students are proving that even small efforts can take root and grow into something powerful.
We can’t wait to see how their gardens—and their dreams—continue to flourish.
