Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) today announces $35,500 in funding for John Bowne High School. The funding has been allocated for John Bowne’s hydroponics program, an alternative method of growing plants without soil by using water-based nutrient solutions. The use of hydroponics is part of John Bowne’s agriculture program which has been nationally recognized for its urban agricultural education offerings including classes in plant and animal sciences.

“John Bowne’s agriculture program provides students with learning opportunities and internships paving the way for their future careers as veterinarians, laboratory technicians, urban farmers, landscape architects, and much more,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “Hydroponics and aquaponics are an important part of sustainable agriculture, especially in space-scarce urban areas. It is with great excitement that I am able to provide state funding for their cutting-edge hydroponics program that will keep their students at the forefront of the agriculture industry.”

“Thanks to funding provided by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, we are now able to provide hands-on instruction to our students in hydroponic systems and crop production. This instructional exposure could easily lead to some students going on for further study in this field as well as immediate employment in the many urban and rural operations currently in production,” said Assistant Principal Steven Perry. “The Assemblywoman has always been a great supporter of our program and often visits with our kids and faculty, whether on site or in Albany where she has hosted us when the Assembly is in session. We are greatly appreciative for all she has done for our department.”

John Bowne’s agriculture program is a central feature of the high school providing students with a work-based learning approach that prepares them for admission into agricultural and technical colleges across the country. The school is the only high school in New York City with a four-acre farm. Last year, the program was recognized by New York State as a Career and Technical Education Model Program, which allows the program structure and curriculum to be shared with other schools across the state for potential implementation.