South Bronx School PS 811X Unveils State-of-the-Art Hydroponic Classroom with $175K Boost from Council Member Salamanca
New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. joined students, faculty, and community members at PS 811X: The Academy for Career and Living Skills in the South Bronx to celebrate the opening of a cutting-edge hydroponic classroom. The event, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, was made possible by a $175,000 allocation from Salamanca’s office.
The new hydroponic lab, developed in partnership with the nonprofit New York Sun Works, will serve as a dynamic learning space for students to explore sustainable agriculture, conduct hands-on experiments, and deepen their understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) concepts. Hydroponics, a method of growing plants using water-based nutrient solutions instead of soil, will also provide students with access to fresh food while teaching them about climate change and modern farming practices.
“A big supporter of hydroponic classrooms, I am thrilled to be here at PS 811X for the ribbon-cutting of their new lab,” said Salamanca. “Our South Bronx schools are frequently overlooked when it comes to funding, as is, but our special education students have especially suffered from this lack of proper care for their needs. As someone who was raised in the South Bronx and grew up in these schools, I take these needs personally, and it’s why I’ve dedicated my time in office to supporting my district’s educational centers.”
Salamanca emphasized his commitment to addressing inequities in education funding, particularly for special education students. “I was proud to allocate 175,000towardsPS811X’shydroponicclassroomtohelpbridgethisgapforourstudents,andpledgetocontinuebuildinguponthe35 million my office has allocated to Bronx schools during my tenure,” he added.
The hydroponic classroom is expected to have a transformative impact on PS 811X students, offering them unique opportunities to engage with science and sustainability in a practical, real-world context. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to promote environmental awareness and food justice in underserved communities.
Rafael Salamanca Jr. represents New York City’s 17th Council District, which includes Bronx neighborhoods such as Mott Haven–Port Morris, Melrose, Hunts Point, Longwood, Morrisania, and Soundview–Bruckner–Bronx River. His ongoing support for educational initiatives underscores his dedication to empowering South Bronx students and fostering innovation in local schools.
With the new hydroponic lab now operational, PS 811X is poised to become a model for integrating sustainability and STEM education into the curriculum, setting a precedent for other schools in the district and beyond.
