Atlanta, GA — November 10th, 2025 — 100 Black Men of Atlanta, BEST Academy, and Atlanta Public Schools proudly unveiled the new B.E.S.T. Indoor Agriculture Container, a groundbreaking student-driven initiative designed to advance STEM learning, expand food access, and empower young people to transform their own community.
The project represents a powerful collaboration with Southern Company, Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Georgia Tech, and Goodr, who together helped bring advanced indoor agriculture technology directly to the Douglas community.
“This moment is not just about agriculture,” said Dr. Mark Berry of Southern Company. “It’s about students learning that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can lead to solutions—and they can do it themselves. This is their facility. They are going to grow the food, harvest it, and help change this community.”
A Student-Led Vision Becoming Reality
The idea for the agriculture pod began inside BEST Academy’s STEM Pod, where students brainstormed solutions to address the local food desert. Their early experiments in hydroponics and aquaponics evolved into a bold vision: a fully functional, all-electric indoor farm operating on campus.
“Today we’re not just opening a new piece of equipment—we’re celebrating dedication, teamwork, and the power of young minds working together for a purpose bigger than themselves,” said BEST Academy senior Mariyo Majette
A Milestone for the City of Atlanta
Representing Mayor Andre Dickens, Deputy Chief of Staff, Greg Clay, emphasized the importance of sustainability and youth empowerment.
“Atlanta is a group project,” Clay said. “And this is a shining example of what it looks like when partners across sectors come together to invest in our youth, strengthen our communities, and elevate sustainability as a priority for our city.”
Community Impact Through Innovation
The indoor agriculture container features cutting-edge LED lighting, advanced climate control, and high-efficiency irrigation systems that use more than 90% less water than traditional farming. Operating year-round, the container is expected to produce a significant volume of fresh produce that students—alongside food distribution partner Goodr—will deliver to families throughout the 30318 community.
“Our goal is for this pod to feed the entire community,” said Aaron Swain, Chairman of 100 Black Men of Atlanta. “Students here have the opportunity to change the outcomes for their families and neighborhoods by understanding fresh food, sustainability, and healthy living. This is what mentoring in action looks like.”
A Commitment to Youth, STEM, and Community Healing
Cluster Superintendent Forrestella Taylor, speaking on behalf of Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson, reaffirmed APS’ commitment to hands-on STEM education.
“These young men now have an opportunity to bring STEM to life,” Taylor said. “In a community with limited access to fresh produce, this initiative could not have come at a more perfect time.”
Partners Who Made It Possible
This initiative was made possible through collaboration with:
100 Black Men of Atlanta, BEST Academy, Atlanta Public Schools, Southern Company, Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light, EPRI, Georgia Tech, and Goodr.
About 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc.100 Black Men of Atlanta is dedicated to improving the quality of life and educational opportunities for African-American youth through mentoring, education, health & wellness programs, and leadership initiatives.
About BEST Academy (APS) BEST Academy is an all-male STEM-focused Atlanta Public School serving young men in the city of Atlanta community with rigorous academics, leadership development, and hands-on learning experiences.
