Spark-Y

Spark-Y ‘s programs integrate environmental science, entrepreneurship, and work skills, equipping students with the tools to effect sustainable change and address pressing challenges in our communities, from food insecurity to climate resilience. With your support, we would be able to expand the possibilities with our new land development in Northeast Minneapolis to provide hands-on learning experiences for youth in our community.

Spark-Y is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers youth through hands-on education in sustainability and entrepreneurship. Through site projects, an urban agriculture lab, and aquaponics, we offer agricultural and STEM-based education and certifications for workforce development. Youth involved in our programs gain job training, scientific experience, and community engagement opportunities.

Through our youth programming in green initiatives, Spark-Y empowers youth to become environmental stewards and leaders for sustainability in their communities. Our most recent project is our new land development in Northeast Minneapolis: we are remediating land next to Edison High School to develop an urban farm and agricultural learning center for youth. This agricultural hub will educate youth on growing food, environmental education, land stewardship, and help promote community engagement.

A donation of this kind would greatly benefit our organization by advancing the scope of our projects to better serve youth in Northeast Minneapolis. If awarded, 100% of funds would support development on our newly acquired land, including a permaculture garden, hoop house, vegetable garden, and composting center with an anaerobic digester. These permanent fixtures will serve as a working farm and training hub for youth, fostering stewardship and engagement.

Prior to Spark-Y’s acquisition, this land in Northeast was a vacant lot. We believe deeply in this new space, seeing the value it holds for Edison High students and those in the neighborhood who will get to see an old, abandoned lot transformed into a place of learning. With the assistance of local partners, including Eastside Co-op, we are confident in bringing this vision - a shared space for community members to engage with sustainable agriculture - to reality within the year.