On a hot summer morning under the shade of an apple tree, student interns can be found harvesting vegetables for their communities. Every husk of corn and bundle of greens reflects months of learning about sustainability, nutrition and community.
For thousands of DPS students, these experiences begin in a school garden.
SustainEd Farms, a nonprofit partner of Denver Public Schools (DPS) and the DPS Sustainability Department, transforms school gardens into outdoor classrooms where students learn through hands-on experiences. From early childhood education through high school internships, students explore sustainable agriculture while gaining skills that connect classroom learning to real-world impact.
The organization was founded by former DPS teacher Matt Suprunowicz, who saw the potential for school gardens to become something much bigger.
Every harvest returns to the community through school cafeterias and no-cost farmers markets, helping increase access to fresh food for families experiencing food insecurity.
“We are SustainEd Farms, not because we have a farm, but because every school garden connects and creates a farm on its own, and we can make an impact in food security in our community with school gardens,” Matt said.
Today, SustainEd Farms partners with more than 50 schools, reaching over 13,000 students across Denver.
Through a 10-week paid internship, students earn a $2,000 stipend while learning sustainable farming practices, operating no-cost farmers markets, and developing leadership and career readiness skills. The experience introduces students to careers in agriculture, environmental science, education and community development while empowering them to make a difference in their neighborhoods. This internship also enables students to be eligible to earn the Seal of Climate Literacy Diploma Endorsement.
One student intern, Betzabel, described participating in the Huerta Urbana Farmers Market as an opportunity to give back while connecting directly with the community through fresh, locally grown food.
“I feel powerful when I go to the Huerta Farmers Market and I distribute food that other people need,” Betzabel said.
For Matt, the long-term vision begins long before high school.
"When I think about a student who starts with SustainEd Farms programming in early childhood and continues through elementary school, middle school enrichment, and into paid internships in high school, that's how we develop students who will address food justice, sustainability, and equity in our city," he said.
That vision is only possible because of the partnership between Denver Public Schools and SustainEd Farms.
"It's a phenomenal partnership with Denver Public Schools," Matt said. "How can a public school partner with a nonprofit to make sure students are getting the experiences and outcomes they need?"
"SustainEd Farms wouldn't exist without Denver Public Schools. And I don't think the same quality of garden-based learning — from our 18-month-olds to our 18-year-olds — would be happening without this partnership," he said.
Together, DPS and SustainEd Farms are cultivating the next generation of leaders who understand that caring for their community starts by caring for the land, and for one another.
Interested in bringing SustainEd programming to your school? Complete the School Garden Request form.