Seed Your Future hosted Seed to STEM 2025 Cohort
Seed Your Future announced it recently hosted the Seed to STEM 2025 Cohort in Chicago for a week of professional development workshops, industry immersion experiences and networking opportunities.
“We packed a tremendous amount into this four-day experience,” said Jazmin Albarran, executive director of Seed Your Future. “But with so much to explore in the world of horticulture, we know we’ve only just scratched the surface.”
“Seed to STEM is how we make a change in the industry. For every grower asking, ‘Why should I be involved or donate?’ the impact of this program is why,” said Broch Martindale of Corteva Agriscience. “I’m always shouting from the rooftops about how amazing Seed Your Future is, and the truth is, they haven’t seen anything yet.”
The week included a day at Ball Horticultural Co., touring departments including plant breeding, logistics and seed production while learning firsthand how innovation and collaboration bring plants to market.
In addition, they toured Midwest Groundcovers and Midwest Trading, many experiencing a commercial nursery and greenhouse for the first time. They explored large-scale plant production from propagation to distribution, gaining insights into irrigation design, soil composition and how STEM disciplines drive horticultural success.
The final day of the 2025 Seed to STEM program centered on the healing power of plants, beginning with a hands-on horticultural therapy session led by Kelly Warnick, where teachers created their own Zen Gardens to support student wellness.
The program concluded with teachers revisiting and refining their career-focused lesson plans, equipped with fresh inspiration and resources from the week.
Photos courtesy of Seed Your Future.
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