STEM Ag Kits
Sponsor-funded. Free to participating youth.Hands-on aquaponics and plant propagation bring agricultural science into classrooms, homes, and community events.
Explore STEM Ag Kits →Small beginnings. Meaningful possibilities.Grow knowledge.
Grow knowledge.
Connect technology.
Strengthen community.
ECO 180 connects hands-on agricultural education, smart farming, and community stewardship—helping people understand food, water, technology, and the world around them.
Based in South Carolina. Welcoming educators, supporters, and partners wherever the mission connects us.
South Carolina nonprofit501(c)(3) · EIN 92-1219043Welcoming partners near and far
AGRICULTURE + TECHNOLOGY + HUMAN UNDERSTANDINGA living farm.
A living farm.
A connected classroom.
ECO 180 connects aquaponics, smart farming, environmental education, and community action. A small kit introduces the science; sensors and data deepen the questions; people turn understanding into responsible choices.
Learn. Measure. Participate.
- Learn: fish, plants, beneficial bacteria, water, and food systems.
- Measure: observations, water chemistry, sensors, dashboards, and AI literacy.
- Participate: classrooms, community stewardship, food-access relationships, and partnerships.
The Rembert Living Agricultural Laboratory is in development, connecting these pathways in one farm-learning environment.
WHAT DOES ECO 180 DO?01 / OUR PROGRAMS 02 / OUR PROGRAMS
03 / OUR PROGRAMS
04 / OUR PROGRAMS
Four initiatives. A shared purpose.
We connect agriculture, environmental education, and community action.
Living Agricultural Laboratory
Rembert, South Carolina · In developmentHelp build a smart aquaponics learning hub connecting fish, plants, water science, sensors, and practical agricultural education.
Explore Living Agricultural Laboratory →Community Food Access
Agriculture & community partnershipsConnect sustainable agriculture with fresh-food access for families and community partners.
Explore Community Food Access →Clean Community
Community actionReport a site, request a group cleanup, volunteer, or contribute the equipment that helps restore shared spaces.
Explore Clean Community →From everyday life to discoverySmall enough to begin.
Small enough to begin.
Big enough to inspire.
Green onion regrowth gives learners something real to observe. Younger children draw and compare; older students measure, graph, and investigate. The lesson grows into questions about water, food, technology, and care.
See how learning grows
Your support builds the next step
- Hands-on learning materials and activity guides.
- Journals and tools for observation and measurement.
- Program access and educator-supported experiences.
- Community connections that help learning travel further.
Have a specific purpose in mind? Talk with us about a designated gift or in-kind contribution.
Discuss your support →OUR MISSION
Simplicity & efficiency. Opportunity & action.
ECO 180 bridges environmental science, high-tech agriculture, and everyday life—giving people practical tools to build more resilient communities.
By inspiring minority youth through agricultural STEAM learning and delivering Clean Community initiatives to underserved areas, we work toward more sustainable local food systems and statewide resilience.
“The climate crisis and social injustice are inextricably linked.”
— Jerome Foster II
AREAS OF IMPACT
Environmental justice and agricultural opportunity.
Environmental racism
Racial discrimination in environmental policymaking and enforcement can disproportionately expose communities of color to pollution, toxic waste sites, and other environmental hazards. Our work connects environmental learning with practical community action.
STEAM education approach
We promote youth involvement in agriculture using science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Hands-on learning helps address educational opportunity gaps and builds pathways into agricultural science.
Youth in agriculture
Engaging youth supports the future of our food system, innovation, diversity, and food sovereignty. By investing in young people of color, we work toward a more inclusive agricultural landscape.
Clean Community
Community-led cleanup efforts restore neglected areas and address environmental hazards created by accumulated waste. Volunteers, equipment, and community support make the work possible.
Your next step01 / GIVE 02 / LEARN 03 / CONTRIBUTE
There is more than one way to help.
Support hands-on learning
A contribution of any size helps build the resources behind our mission. Give once, or ask our team about ongoing support.
Choose your contribution →Bring curiosity to your group
Schools, homeschool families, and community programs can ask about kits and learning formats. Tell us where you are and who you serve.
Start a kit conversation →Bring what you already have
Materials, equipment, technical skills, and volunteer expertise can help move the mission forward.
Explore a practical partnership →THE NEXT CHAPTER
A living laboratory for food, water, and learning.
We are developing the Rembert laboratory to connect controlled-environment agriculture, sensors, monitoring, and hands-on education.
Explore the development plan$35,000 readiness campaign
The planning campaign supports technical validation, site and utility readiness, permits and professional setup, and a protected acquisition reserve.
Talk about a partnershipFind your place in the mission.
Educators & families
Connect classroom curiosity with plants, water, and real-world learning.
Explore learning pathways →Businesses & community partners
Bring funding, skills, technology, materials, or purchasing interest.
Find your partnership →Your community
Explore collaboration and the future of ECO 180 beyond our home base.
Start a conversation →Frequently asked questions
What areas do you serve?
South Carolina is our home base, with connections across the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry. Educators, donors, and partners elsewhere are welcome to reach out. We discuss kit availability, shipping, and collaboration around your location and needs. Our developing Rembert program site will serve as a hub for hands-on agricultural education and community impact.
Can I start a chapter in my area?
We welcome conversations about bringing ECO 180’s mission to your community, in South Carolina and beyond. use the request information form to discuss chapter interest, expectations, and next steps.
Ask about chapter developmentDo you work with other nonprofits?
We welcome collaborations that support our mission. use the request information form to explore a program or community partnership.
Discuss a partnershipWhat does ECO 180 need?
Program sponsorships, materials, skilled support, volunteers, and support for the developing Rembert site.
Explore ways to help