Here We Grow: JLP Youth Explore Sustainability at the High School of Art and Design
Updated: Sep 1
Aired: April 2023 | Julia Lynn Productions Youth Media
What happens when students combine media, science, sustainability, and storytelling?
In JLP's Here We Grow television feature, Julia Lynn Productions intern Leilani Sanchez took viewers inside the High School of Art and Design to explore how students, teachers, and school leadership were working together to create a greener and more sustainable school community.
A Student-Led Look at Sustainability
Taking on the role of youth journalist, Leilani interviewed her principal, Maximillian Re-Seguira, along with teachers and representatives of the school's Green Team.
The conversations explored the school's sustainability initiatives and gave viewers a closer look at its hydroponic systems, rooftop garden, and "Go Green" efforts.
Rather than simply learning about sustainability in a classroom, students were able to see environmental concepts put into practice within their own school.
Growing More Than Plants
The school's hydroponic systems and rooftop garden provided an opportunity to connect environmental education with hands-on learning.
The feature also highlighted the work of Emmett DiPadova, an Earth Science and Worldbuilding teacher who serves as the school's sustainability coordinator and Green Team co-advisor.
Through these efforts, sustainability becomes more than a lesson or a single project. It becomes part of a larger conversation about how young people can participate in creating healthier schools, communities, and environments.
Where STEAM Meets Media
Here We Grow also demonstrates the value of combining STEAM education with youth media and workforce development.
As a JLP intern, Leilani wasn't simply observing the school's sustainability initiatives. She was developing practical media and communication skills by conducting interviews, engaging with school leadership and educators, asking questions, and helping bring an important community story to a wider audience.
The experience reflects JLP's commitment to giving young people opportunities to explore careers and community issues through hands-on media experiences.
Preparing Young People for a Greener Future
Sustainability is increasingly connected to innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and the future workforce. Introducing students to these concepts while giving them opportunities to communicate what they learn can help them recognize the many roles they can play in creating change.
From hydroponics and urban gardening to environmental education and youth journalism, Here We Grow showed what is possible when schools provide young people with opportunities to learn, participate, and lead.
For Julia Lynn Productions, it was also another opportunity to put a young person's voice at the center of the story.
The feature takes viewers inside the High School of Art and Design to learn about its hydroponic systems, rooftop garden, Green Team, and commitment to creating a more sustainable school community.
Julia Lynn Productions creates hands-on opportunities that connect youth media, STEAM, sustainability, workforce development, and community storytelling—giving young people the tools to explore today's challenges while developing skills for tomorrow.
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