How Trees Are Transforming Learning Spaces Across America

Vita Coco’s Growing Roots Grant program, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, is inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders by giving students the tools, resources, and confidence to take meaningful action in their schools and communities.  

Launched in 2024 as a pilot initiative, the program awarded $50,000 across three K-12 Tree Campus schools, helping them create greener, more inclusive learning environments while strengthening connections to nature.  

“The Growing Roots program shows how eager schools are to connect students with trees and outdoor spaces,” said Dayna Berry, program manager for the Arbor Day Foundation. “This initiative not only plants trees — it cultivates the next generation of environmental stewards.” 

The goal of the Growing Roots Grant program is simple: provide schools with resources to integrate trees into learning spaces, foster student leadership, and encourage community collaboration. Funding applications were open to all Tree Campus K–12 schools, and the response was overwhelming. Twenty-four schools from 18 states requested nearly $850,000 in funding, illustrating strong demand for green, interactive learning opportunities.

By the end of the pilot year, the program engaged nearly 2,000 students, grew 800 seedlings, and planted more than 90 trees, creating outdoor classrooms that promote learning, wellness, and environmental stewardship. 

At Le Jardin Academy, students designed, built, and maintained a native plant nursery on campus and in the local community. The project connects students to green jobs, cultural heritage, and reforestation while addressing local food insecurity.

More than 570 students participated in classes, internships, and volunteer days, planting 56 trees and 456 native seedlings, with more than 800 seedlings growing for future plantings. High school students led grant management and mentoring efforts, while community events expanded the program’s reach across O‘ahu.

Chloe St. Clair, a student intern, described her experience: “The internship taught me to be the makaʻāinana, the eyes of the land, and repay the land for giving me a place to live and call home.”

Looking ahead, Le Jardin Academy plans to expand cross-disciplinary learning with art, science, and design classes, integrate native plants into classrooms, and continue community engagement through volunteer days and seasonal events. 

Buffalo Public School #84, serving students with disabilities, transformed 1,500 square feet of unused space into an inclusive outdoor classroom with 14 cherry blossom trees. Over 180 students participated in planting and daily use of the space, supported by 72 volunteer hours from staff, parents, and community partners.

One student said, “I love to water the plants. These trees are a part of my heart.” Teachers and therapists plan to integrate the space into math, science, literacy, and therapy sessions, creating a living laboratory for K–12 learners. Future plans include a butterfly garden to expand environmental learning and outdoor therapy opportunities. 

At On Track Academy, students transformed underutilized campus areas into shared outdoor classrooms for high school and adjacent elementary and middle schools. The project engaged over 15 local partners and raised an additional $85,000 in community donations, expanding its impact citywide.

Students designed outdoor learning plans, planted trees, and even studied how nature affects stress and wellness through hands-on research projects. One student was hired by Spokane Urban Forestry after participating, illustrating the program’s career-building potential.

Lisa Mattson of On Track Academy said, “Students gain confidence, uncover talents, and see their capacity to make a difference in their community as well as globally.”