Exposure to agricultural and environmental sustainability happens early in GCPS, and students are engaged in exciting developments, from our earliest learners to the high school level.

At Lovin Elementary School, students learn the importance of sustainability through a composting and food recycling program, part of the STEM/STEAM curriculum. The initiative teaches students to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil, cultivating a love for nature and agriculture. “At a young age, students begin to see the importance of caring for the environment,” says Executive Director of College and Career Development Tim Hemans. “This program also aligns with Gwinnett County Public Schools’ (GCPS) College and Career Readiness goals, laying the groundwork for future agriculture and environmental sustainability learning,” he adds.

As students progress to high school, they have opportunities to dive deeper into agriculture through GCPS’ Agricultural Education programs at schools like Archer, Brookwood, and Grayson High Schools. These high schools offer pathways in Natural Resources Management and Environmental Agriculture Systems, where students gain hands-on experience managing water, soil, and wildlife habitats, as well as developing sustainable farming practices. The Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters at each school also play a crucial role in helping students build leadership and career skills, and prepare for careers in agriculture and agribusiness.

Across the district, the Green and Healthy Schools initiative, a partnership with Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, is making a significant impact. During the 2023-24 school year, more than 24,000 students actively participated in food waste reduction and composting. In 57 schools, students participate in recycling programs that have diverted a remarkable 8,300 pounds of food waste from landfills. These combined efforts, across 74 recognized Green and Healthy schools are not just reducing waste, but also nurturing future environmental stewards, empowering students to protect and sustain the natural world, starting in their own learning communities.