Thanks to a 2024-2025 SPIE Career Education Grant, students at Turlock High School explored sustainable agriculture through the hands-on construction and operation of hydroponic systems. Led by educator Travis Cardoso, the program—“Hydroponic Foods: A Growing Tradition”—invited students to reimagine how food can be grown at home and in their communities.
This hands-on learning experience brought together science, engineering, and career exploration in a meaningful way. Students worked in collaborative teams to build custom-designed hydroponics units, gaining practical skills in system design, plant science, maintenance, and resource management. They applied critical thinking and creativity to design blueprints, troubleshoot challenges, and improve plant growth through real-time problem solving.
Students also engaged with local agricultural businesses and professionals to gain insight into career opportunities in the field. These interactions included workplace visits, job shadowing experiences, and the development of personalized career plans. The program bridged classroom learning with real-world applications, helping students prepare for success in a variety of post-secondary pathways.
A highlight of the year came in February when the SPIE Board visited the site, meeting with students and seeing the hydroponics system in action. The visit showcased the power of career-connected learning to inspire confidence, purpose, and direction in students' futures.
As we celebrate the success of this dynamic project, we’re excited to announce that the 2025-2026 SPIE Career Education Grant application cycle is now open! Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2025, and grants of up to $2,500 are available to support innovative programs that connect students to careers.
Let’s keep growing the future—one student at a time.