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Initiatives
The ACE Foundation leads community-based initiatives that empower Black youth through hands-on STEM, arts, and leadership programs. By creating access to opportunities and safe spaces for exploration and growth, ACE helps young people thrive, lead, and shape their futures with confidence.
2025 Green Infrastructure Pathways Project Community Grow Lab:
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This youth-led green initiative is a collaboration between Youth Propeller, the Let’s Bee Connected Foundation, and the Birchmount Community Action Council—brought to life through the talent and dedication of local students and community youth. The Community Grow Lab thrives because of its multidisciplinary team of youth participants, volunteers, and student leaders. Each member contributes to both the technical and creative heart of this project—working in sync to bring this innovative hub to life.
Meet The Team:
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Research Technicians: G. Bawuah-Mensah, T. Smith (Research Assistant), N. Osei Kissi
Media Team: K. Thomas, M. Pannici, J. Calicchia, A. Osei-Kissi
Website Developers: R. Mensah, T. Smith, A. Hammond-Walker (Bee Connected Website https://beeconnect.ca/)
Facilitators and Animal Care: M. Hammond-Walker, A. Hammond-Walker, S. Mensah
Plant Maintenance Team: M. Forte, K. Samuels, I. Stephenson-Blackwood, N. Weir, J. Thomas
2025 Green Infrastructure Pathways Project:
This youth-led green initiative is a collaboration between Youth Propeller, the Let’s Bee Connected Foundation, and the Birchmount Community Action Council—brought to life through the talent and dedication of local students and community youth.
Over the course of seven intensive weeks, the team built the Community Grow Lab, a fully equipped space featuring hydroponic, aquaponic, and soil-based plant systems. Part of the lab’s mission is to launch a solar-powered irrigation system, designed to sustain a wide variety of plant life—particularly those that provide essential nourishment for pollinators like honeybees.
This project highlights not only sustainability innovation, but also hands-on training, community collaboration, and youth leadership.
Community Grow Lab:
The Community Grow Lab thrives because of its multidisciplinary team of youth participants, volunteers, and student leaders:
• Research Technicians
• Lab Technicians
• Maintenance Technicians
• Media Team – Documenting the journey, producing visual storytelling, and supporting community outreach
• Website Developers – Designing and managing the lab’s online presence, highlighting progress, and hosting project resources
Each member contributes to both the technical and creative heart of this project—working in sync to bring this innovative hub to life.
Project Developments:
• Lab Construction: Completed in 7 weeks and fully operational
• Integrated Growing Systems: Hydroponics, aquaponics, and soil beds to support local food production
• Solar-Powered Irrigation: A sustainable, eco-friendly watering system currently in development
• Pollinator-Friendly Crops: Designed to support honeybee health through targeted plant production
• Digital Infrastructure: The website team is building an interactive portal to track project milestones and educate the public
• Media Highlights: Video, photo, and story content are being captured by the media team to showcase the project’s impact
• Skill-Building Labs: Workshops, mock interviews, and guided assignments to equip youth with leadership and STEAM-based competencies
This lab isn’t just a grow space—it’s a living demonstration of what happens when community, youth power, and innovation unite to shape a sustainable future.
Stay connected, explore updates, and get to know the incredible teams behind this project right here on our initiative page.
Meet The Team:
Media Team:
A 15-year-old student who is deeply engaged in his community. Known for his strong sense of responsibility and leadership, Kimani is actively involved in supporting local initiatives and lending a hand wherever needed. From volunteering at events to assisting with neighborhood activities, he demonstrates a genuine commitment to helping others and strengthening community ties. His dedication, maturity, and ability to connect with people of all ages make him a positive role model for his peers and younger youth alike.
Research Technicians
A 13-year-old passionate about STEM and eager to explore new ideas. He is actively involved in his community, contributing to projects and activities that make a difference. Helping others is one of his biggest values and something he truly enjoys.
A 16-year-old student, rower, and active community member who values teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Through his involvement in both athletics and community initiatives, Nathaniel is dedicated to building resilience and giving back to others while growing as a young leader.
A 17-year-old in his third year at Ontario Tech University and is passionate about combining academics with community service. He is actively involved in local initiatives that create opportunities for youth, and he continues to use his education and leadership skills to inspire positive change.
Website Developers
A 14-year-old student, STEM ambassador, and aspiring technologist who is passionate about using innovation to give back to her community. She has led coding workshops with the Shining Lighte Youth Charity, helping young people explore programming and robotics, and she enjoys inspiring others to see the possibilities in technology. With dreams of pursuing a career in information technology, she is driven to combine her skills and community spirit to create meaningful change.
A 13-year-old passionate about STEM and eager to explore new ideas. He is actively involved in his community, contributing to projects and activities that make a difference. Helping others is one of his biggest values and something he truly enjoys.
Facilitators and Animal Care
A 16-year-old student and active community member who is passionate about making a positive impact. With a strong drive to give back, Sophia continues to grow as a young leader committed to service and community development.
A 15-year-old student and young beekeeper dedicated to environmental awareness and sustainability. Working in an apiary has taught her responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of protecting pollinators.
A 17-year-old student and beekeeper who works hands-on in an apiary, learning the importance of sustainability and environmental care. Through his work with bees, he has developed a deep appreciation for nature and the vital role pollinators play in the ecosystem.
Plant Maintenance Team
