Supporting local schools
School Outreach
Matthew 25 works directly with grades Pre K-5 in our core neighborhoods to allow students access to important lessons and experiences beyond the walls of their classrooms that translate into long-term life skills.
Lessons for each season of the school year
Fall
Since school starts during harvest season, students are introduced to the outdoor school garden, picking fruits and vegetables, and touring our Urban Farm
Winter
A little cold weather doesn’t stop these kids from growing food! Indoor hydroponics is the central platform for learning about nutrients, plant diversity, sustainability, and more.
Spring
As the ground starts to thaw, students start getting their hands dirty learning about plant lifecycles by planting seeds in the greenhouse and getting the outdoor garden ready for planting.
Partnership with Cedar River Academy
Currently, Matthew 25 works with Cedar River Academy at Taylor Elementary, focusing on cultivating student confidence, creativity, cooperation and contribution, while introducing concepts around seasonality, sustainability, and diversity. Various hands-on lessons take place through:
Sustainability Lab & Hydroponic Towers
Hydroponic wall system and three rolling hydroponic towers to facilitate indoor growing education
Outdoor School Garden
Outdoor space used in spring and fall to show planting and harvesting of local produce
Greenhouse
Introduction to how seeds turn into plants that produce food
Composting Bins
Benefits of composting and how it can deliver nutrients to the soil while decreasing the amount of garbage going to landfills
Our Education Team is open to exploring how we can work with other Cedar Rapids elementary schools! Reach out to learn more.
