Jackpot students build greenhouses, open school store as part of STEM grant

SAMI LAMPO, student board member, joined board members at the Elko County School District meeting in Jackpot while teachers presented new STEM activities underway at Jackpot Combined Schools.

The presentations described hands-on projects funded after the school was recognized as a governor's designated STEM school. Zach Hunter, the building trades and construction technology instructor, said the district installed about 15 active hydroponic systems across classrooms and is building two greenhouses that building-trades students are constructing.

"We have, I think, about 15 active hydroponic systems throughout the classrooms," Hunter said. He told the board local landscaping companies have committed to "buy as much as we can grow" of certain plants, and the greenhouses will be available to teachers K–12.

Shraddha (last name not specified), the school's special education teacher and head teacher, described a student-run spirit store created with STEM and incentive-grant funds. "The students voted this week, to name the store. It is The Wild Spot," she said. The store will give students workplace experience (clocking in, using lockers and equipment) and sell student-designed items made with Cricut cutters, heat presses and 3-D printers. Building and Construction and SkillsUSA students will be able to sell class projects there as well.

Student Jorge Avila told the board the greenhouse construction has let students practice real construction skills. "You know, in class, we get to build chairs and all that. But now we actually get to go outside and, you know, build it like a real construction site," he said.

Why it matters: Teachers and district staff said the projects aim to increase hands-on learning, workplace readiness and local career pathways in a small, rural district where few community employers exist. Board members praised the initiatives at the meeting as programs that raise student engagement.

Details and next steps: Hunter described two greenhouses under construction and a commercial-sized hydroponic system used daily in the ag class; district staff said teachers across K–12 will be able to use greenhouse space. Staff said local buyers have committed to purchasing certain plants as production scales. The Wild Spot will also be used to offset small-school costs for spirit wear and provide community access to student-made items.

Board reaction: Trustees welcomed the student demonstrations and the store plans as practical learning that can keep students engaged with school.

What’s next: Presenters invited board members and the public to visit the school and see the store and greenhouse work in person.