Dematic and Captain Planet Foundation install “learning gardens” to inspire education

Dematic, a global leader in supply chain automation, has partnered with the Captain Planet Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to engaging and empowering young people to be problem solvers for the planet, to bring hands-on Project Learning Gardens to students in two communities. Together, the organizations brought outdoor learning spaces to Hidden Lakes Elementary in Keller, Texas this past May and West Oakview Elementary in Grand Rapids, Michigan in August.

Each installation transformed part of the school grounds into a vibrant outdoor classroom where students built and planted raised garden beds they can now care for. By integrating these experiences into the school day, the program connects traditional educational lessons with hands-on learning in science, gardening, nutrition, and sustainability.

“Our ongoing partnership with Captain Planet Foundation reflects our dedication to fostering innovation and curiosity in young minds,” says Roy Neill, corporate and community affairs leader at Dematic. “By supporting programs like Project Learning Garden, we are helping prepare future leaders to think critically about sustainability and develop solutions for a better tomorrow.”

At Hidden Lakes Elementary, Keller Mayor Armin Mizani, school leaders, Captain Planet Foundation president and CEO Leesa Carter-Jones, and representatives from Dematic and Keller ISD joined students to build and plant their garden. Meanwhile, Michigan Senator Mark Huizenga participated in the celebration at West Oakview Elementary alongside school leadership underscoring the strong local impact and community support for these initiatives.

“Project Learning Gardens give students the chance to connect what they learn in the classroom with the world around them,” says Carter-Jones. “We are proud to partner with Dematic to inspire curiosity and provide the tools students need to develop lifelong habits of learning, stewardship, and innovation.”

Dematic explained this initiative highlights its broader mission to make a positive impact in the communities where employees live and work as part of its Community Outreach Program. Since 2023, Dematic has partnered with Captain Planet on the Project Learning Garden initiative to help students develop an interest in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).

The Project Learning Garden program, developed by Captain Planet Foundation, provides schools with an engaging way to incorporate STEAM concepts into everyday lessons while also promoting healthy eating and environmental stewardship. Since its inception, the program has reached more than 750 schools across the U.S.