The I Will Projects collaborated with the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center in Pueblo, Colorado to install a 250 gallon tank and grow beds in 2021. The Aquaponics@Buell exhibit is an attractive and popular spot for kids and adults, showcasing beautiful koi and vibrant grow beds of peppers, herbs, lettuces and decorative plants. Since 2022, hundreds of younger students viewed the exhibit during school class visits. An immersive 5-week afterschool program was a success using STEAM focused experiments, activities, and art projects.

A forward-thinking high school campus in Pueblo, Colorado's District 60 focuses on STEM education. IFIZ provided a custom-built aquaponic system in the engineering classroom that operated from 2017-2022. IFIZ System Innovator Natel Miller led students to construct and maintain a large fish tank and grow beds that produced leafy greens and more. All ages of students engaged with the unit, and brainstormed ideas for 3D printing, lighting and new crops.

Villa Bella Expeditionary School serves kindergarten through middle schoolers, as a charter school sanctioned by Pueblo, Colorado District 70. The IFIZ program was offered as an after school enrichment program April-May 2024. The 12 students aged 3rd-5th grade met twice a week to learn about the large aquaponic system in their cafeteria space, and even assembled a MiniTank in an adjacent classroom to grow sprouts with guppies!.

Is a retail floral and garden business established in 1956 by brothers Fred & Jim. Zachary Stanifer is the present owner and general manager, and is a great asset on The I Will Projects Board of Directors. He generously offered 12x12 of floor space in his northside greenhouse to build our IFIZ custom aquaponics system. Construction began in December 2020, and the complete system of fish and plants were functioning 4 months later. During opened hours, the general public and kids in the youth program enjoy free tours and learn about the benefits of this growing method.

Proven youth development strategy has been the solution for children and teens in need. The I Will Project's successful afterschool and summer enrichment programs on aquaponics (IFIZ) began locally at one clubhouse, and was expanded with substantial 2021 grant funding from NASA to 10 sites a year later! Over 150 members in four southern Colorado counties experienced the 6-week STEM program on growing plants and fish together, interacted with a scientist from Kennedy Space Center, and brainstormed about their future careers. Each received an individual tabletop grow system mini-tank to take home. In 2022, this outreach continues in Pueblo with other funding to create a fun, positive learning environment for 4th-12th grade members.

With a generous 2024 grant from Battelle, The I Will Project's IFIZ program plans to empower the youth in Pueblo, Colorado, who are underrepresented in STEM career fields, by hosting workshops on innovative indoor food production techniques, experimental science methods, environmental sustainability, and agricultural literacy. The IFIZ program will deliver lessons that adhere to Colorado State Education Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards, using hands-on learning activities. Already, a successful 5-week session was held at Villa Bella Expeditionary School, and more area workshops are planned for fall. Thank you to Battelle and their local employees for their support of STEM!