Newark Vocational High School Hosts “Farm-to-Table First Harvest” With Inspired Growing
Culinary Arts students move a “crop” of red mustard greens for harvesting at Newark Vocational High School.
Students cultivate, cook, and serve homegrown ingredients in a celebration of sustainable learning and partnership
NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools Superintendent León and Principal Karisa Neis-Lopez welcomed David Rosenberg, co-founder of Inspired Growing, to Newark Vocational High School today to celebrate the first harvest of produce grown with Inspired Growing aeroponic farms.
The event featured students from Newark Vocational High School’s acclaimed Culinary Arts Academy harvesting greens grown onsite, preparing gourmet dishes under the guidance of professional chefs, and serving their creations to students, school officials, and district leaders.
“Our Culinary Arts students are proving every day that great learning, like great cooking, starts with great ingredients,” said Superintendent León. “With the help of Inspired Growing, our students are learning to cultivate and cook with fresh produce grown right in their own high school. Together, we’re not just growing food, we’re growing opportunity.”
Superintendent León recognized David Rosenberg, Co-Founder of Inspired Growing, along with his team members Ryan Jendrek, Josh McFerren, and James Castillo, for their ongoing partnership.
Culinary Arts students use the harvested microgreens in plating a ceviche basket and ribeye nest at Newark Vocational High School.
“Today’s unique farm-to-table experience our students had at Newark Vocational High School is exactly what education should look like in the 21st century,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “From seed to harvest to the plate, our students are learning how science, sustainability, and creativity come together to build a healthier community.”
Inspired Growing’s indoor aeroponic farms now operate in 13 Newark Public Schools, helping students learn the science and practice of sustainable agriculture while improving access to fresh produce across the district.
Rosenberg praised the district for connecting sustainability and career preparation.
“We greatly appreciate Newark Public Schools’ teachers and administrators for their progressivism in education,” said Rosenberg. “Students are gaining hands-on experience in growing and preparing food, while also learning about nutrition, technology, and entrepreneurship. This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when innovation and education work hand in hand.”
Chef Mark Speight, Culinary Arts Teacher, works with students harvesting microgreens grown in the Inspired Growing aeroponic farms at Newark Vocational High School.
About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 41,000 students in 65 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened eleven new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983