Planting Seeds of Innovation: A New Collaboration to Connect STEM and Food Justice in Eagle County

We’re thrilled to share that a powerful new collaboration focused on youth, sustainability, and innovation in Eagle County has officially been funded by the National Science Foundation!

Led by Dr. Quentin Biddy from CU Boulder, in partnership with Eagle County Schools and New Roots, this project will co-design computer science (CS) curricula that engage middle school students through hands-on work in community gardening, food sustainability, and local food systems. The Community Market, operated by Eagle Valley Community Foundation, is proud to serve as a community partner in this important work.

This program reimagines how STEM learning can take root in real-world contexts. Students will not only gain computer science skills—they’ll use those skills to solve challenges they care about. From using sensors to monitor garden conditions to mapping food access gaps in our valley, the curriculum centers cultural relevance, sustainability, and local impact.

We’re especially excited about the focus on Latinx youth and their families, building on prior collaborations to reduce barriers and create more inclusive after-school experiences. By connecting classrooms to gardens, and students to their communities, this initiative plants the seeds for long-term change—both in educational equity and food justice.

We look forward to sharing more as this project grows!