About the Project

The Carmelitos Seedlings to Sprouts project is a garden revitalization designed to provide an inclusive outdoor learning environment for early Head Start and preschool students. Located within the Carmelitos Housing Project, our program serves a community where children often have limited access to private green spaces or hands-on agricultural experiences. This project bridges that gap by transforming our yard into a ‘living classroom’ featuring five specialized raised beds: one elevated ADA-compliant bed for universal access, two mid-height beds for preschoolers, and two low-profile beds for toddlers. Utilizing durable, high-quality materials from Lakeshore Learning, we will create a safe space where children can plant, nurture, and eventually taste the healthy produce they grow. To strengthen community ties, we will host monthly parent volunteer days, inviting families to grow alongside their children. For many of our students, this garden represents their only opportunity to engage in the ‘farm-to-table’ cycle. By providing this ADA-accessible space, we ensure that every Carmelitos learner—regardless of physical ability or socioeconomic background—can experience the joy and scientific discovery found in nature.