At Greenswell Growers, we believe that being rooted in the local community means more than just growing quality lettuce. It means growing opportunities, knowledge, and partnerships that benefit the next generation.
From elementary schools to universities, we’re proud to support education at every level. Here’s how we’re doing it.
Inspiring the Next Generation – In and Out of the Classroom
We welcome (and love!) having students visit our greenhouse. These tours aren’t just about seeing and tasting the greens. They’re about sparking curiosity, encouraging career exploration, and showing students the real-world impact of science and technology in agriculture. When a class can’t make it to us, we go to them. Our CEO, Carl, visits local schools to talk to students about what it takes to run a modern greenhouse.
Supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE)We maintain an active partnership with Goochland County High School’s Career and Technical Education program, offering industry insight that helps shape their curriculum to reflect real-world skills. Whether it’s reviewing course offerings, advising on programs like their new Mechatronics & Logistics Program, or writing letters of recommendation for students, we’re committed to helping students succeed in agriculture, logistics, and technology.
Hands-On Learning Through Internships
We believe there’s no substitute for real-world experience, which is why we’re proud to host a high school summer intern at Greenswell Growers. This internship gives students the chance to step into the world of sustainable agriculture and actively contribute.
Our intern works alongside our team to:
- Check and analyze water samples to ensure optimal growing conditions.
- Evaluate lettuce for quality and consistency, learning how we maintain high standards every day.
- Learn directly from our growers, gaining firsthand insight into controlled environment agriculture.
- Participate in daily operations, developing professional skills in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
It’s a powerful way to connect classroom learning with agricultural practice and often a first step toward a meaningful career.
Collaborating with Virginia Colleges and Universities
Our work doesn’t stop at local primary and high schools. We also collaborate with Virginia Tech on research projects that explore sustainable growing practices. We offer our greenhouse for plant samples and yield testing, and we conduct studies on various plant parts. It’s one more way we’re helping to grow knowledge, not just lettuce.
Additionally, we serve on the advisory committees for J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s horticulture program and Virginia Western Community College’s Biology and Mechatronics programs. We offer input that helps shape future courses and ensures students graduate ready to make an impact.
Education Grows Everything
From hands-on experiences to long-term partnerships, we see education as a powerful way to give back and invest in the future—not just for agriculture, but for our entire region. Whether it’s through classroom tours, career guidance, summer internships, or university research, we’re committed to helping students plant the seeds of their own success.
After all, it’s not just about what we grow in the greenhouse. It’s about what we help grow in our community.
