Humble Independent School District (ISD) to Launch Innovative Program Supporting Student Success with Green Bronx Machine Sponsored by Quest Diagnostics

Newswise — Humble Independent School District (ISD) is proud to announce a new partnership with the nationally recognized Green Bronx Machine, www.greenbronxmachine.org, (GBM) program. Sponsored by Quest Diagnostics, Green Bronx Machine will bring hands-on learning, curriculum, and professional development to 24 Humble ISD classrooms across the district, empowering students to connect food, health, wellness, and academics with real-world problem solving.

Green Bronx Machine, founded by educator Stephen Ritz, is celebrated for transforming classrooms through experiential, project-based learning that integrates literacy, math, science, nutrition, sustainability, and wellness. At the heart of the program are indoor classroom gardens and Green Bronx Machine’s acclaimed, data-driven, academic curriculum where students grow vegetables while learning literacy, science, math, health-wellness skills, career technical education skills, and teamwork. This hands-on approach connects learning to life and shows students the direct impact of their work while connecting them to farm-to-table opportunities.

“We are deeply grateful to Quest Diagnostics for helping bring Green Bronx Machine to our schools. This partnership offers our students and teachers an incredible opportunity to engage in innovative, hands-on learning while supporting wellness and achievement. With TEKS-aligned curriculum and professional development built into the program, we are excited about the lasting impact this initiative will have on our classrooms and our families.” Leslie Johnson, Director of Cambridge, Humble ISD

This partnership, connecting schools, community, and innovation includes a foundation of committed local support spearheaded by Harris County resident, Lenard Anderson, CEO of 3T Legacy Inc., www.3TLegacyInc.org. Upon learning about the opportunity, Anderson contacted Stephen Ritz and coordinated with Henry Phipps and Leslie Johnson of Humble ISD to bring this opportunity to fruition and facilitate the ideal selection of school sites, including pledging his ongoing technical support to classroom teachers. Particular attention was paid to ensure the inclusion of sites and schools serving special needs, second opportunity, houseless, and transitional students. 

“I’ve seen the success of Green Bronx Machine programming across the nation. When I learned that there was an opportunity to bring it to my own community here in Harris County, I knew I had to act.” said Humble resident, Lenard Anderson, who added, “I’ve been blessed by the great state of Texas to have an amazing life and understand that for our neediest children, seeing new opportunities and local residents committed to their success is the best way to ensure ongoing success. That GBM’s award-winning curriculum is aligned to the Texas TEKS Standards compelled me to get involved and support the best interests of our children, educators, and community in an add-value capacity. That I am an experienced tower gardener allows me to support teachers with the technology, be the power of example for children, and build school / community relationships that will foster long term success. I could not be more excited. Thank you, Quest Diagnostics and Green Bronx Machine, for your commitment to Harris County!”

Consequently, 24 distinct Humble ISD schools and educators will each receive an indoor academic, fully automated, aeroponic Tower Garden complete with lighting system and a two year supply of all garden supplies, a lifetime site license with unlimited access to the complete Green Bronx Machine Classroom Curriculum, ongoing access to Stephen Ritz, live professional development, and lesson plans designed to completely align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. Further, every school will receive a blender, salad spinners, cutting boards, safety knives, kitchen and serving supplies, aprons, measuring cups and spoons, color coordinated sets of reusable plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, and more including dish towels and soap to drive awareness of sustainability and zero waste. This will facilitate tower to table to tummy classroom programming.

“This collaboration represents Humble ISD’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful, future-ready educational experiences that prepare students not just for academic success, but for healthy, productive lives.” Henry Phipps, Chief Education Support Services, Humble ISD

On September 10, 2025, Quest Diagnostics volunteers joined Ritz, Anderson, and Johnson to unload a U-Haul truck full of supplies to pack them into distinct, ready to use boxes, that were distributed directly to the participating teachers across the district. As part of the launch, Green Bronx Machine hosted a community screening of Generation Growth, www.generationgrowthfilm.com, the award-winning documentary that highlights the transformative power of education, food, and opportunity through the work of Green Bronx Machine. The free event, open to the public, courtesy of Quest Diagnostics, provided families, staff, and community members a chance to celebrate and learn more about the program’s mission. The film was shown on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Lone Star College, Tomball Campus, Room N-103.

Says Stephen Ritz: “We applaud Quest Diagnostics’ commitment to Harris County and could not be more excited to debut our TEKS aligned program here in partnership with local schools, non-profit organizations, and committed resident volunteers. Thanks to the folks at Quest Diagnostics. Their financial support and on-the-ground involvement sends a clear message about their commitment to inspire healthy living, healthy learning, and creating new opportunities for the residents of Harris County and beyond. You can feel the excitement here. As an organization, and as a team, we are forever grateful. I also want to acknowledge Lenard Anderson, and the dedicated folks at Humble ISD, especially Ms. Leslie Johnson and Henry Phipps, for seizing the opportunity and working tirelessly to bring this pilot program to fruition. Meeting the teachers, visiting the schools, and speaking with the students has been beyond inspiring, the appetite for this program and success speaks volumes as to what is possible. Together, we are going to make epic happen! I am so looking forward to seeing and sharing the results.”

About Humble ISD: Humble Independent School District (ISD) serves more than 48,000 students across 49 campuses in northeast Houston. The district is committed to providing innovative, future-ready learning experiences that prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

About Green Bronx Machine: www.greenbronxmachine.org (GBM) is an impact driven, for-purpose organization with 501(c)(3) status. GBM builds healthy, equitable and resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce development. Dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, its school-based model and propriety curriculum uses urban agriculture aligned to key school performance indicators, to grow healthy students and healthy schools. GBM is proud to debut their updated Classroom Curriculum, 100% aligned to the new Texas TEKS Standards in math, literacy, and science.

To date, Green Bronx Machine has trained over 11,500 teachers using their Green Bronx Machine Classroom Curriculum, impacting more than 350,000 students throughout the Bronx, across America, and around the world. Recently named Social Innovation Award winners, Green Bronx Machine was named NYC Food Policy Center COVID Food Hero, named a Top Ten Health and Wellness Program in America by the Harkin Institute, named a three-time Top 100 Educational Innovation in the world, and named a 2024 Most Innovative Company by Fast Company. Green Bronx Machine has just launched new educational television programming for K-12 students, Green Bronx Machine KIDS! https://www.youtube.com/@gbmkids. 

Contact: Stephen Ritz

Phone: 917.873.6449

Email: stephen.ritz@greenbronxmachine.org

About 3T Legacy Incorporated:

Contact:  Dr. Leonard Anderson

Phone:  832.310.4516

Email:  landerson@3tlegacyinc.org