Job training transition program for individuals with disabilities.

Providing employment through a sustainable aquaponic farming system and distributing natural produce for the surrounding communities.

Learn about our programs.

  • Agencies & OVR

    We provide employment and job training transition services for young adults and individuals with disabilities. From employment experience to leadership opportunities, our staff and program participants are made up of 50% people with disabilities.

  • Community Members

    Experience our aquaponic farm! Tours are available by appointment for $3 per person or an interactive tour for $5 per person.

    We also sell our produce to the public.

    Contact us for information!

  • K-12 Youth Programs

    Our inclusive Aquaponics Club invites community members’ school age children to experience STEM concepts, gardening skills, and sustainable farming in an easy to understand, fun, and inclusive environment.

    School tours and field trips are available.

FAQs

  • Aquaponics is a hybrid system from hydroponics (growing of plants in water) and aquaculture (raising of fish in high density). By combining the two systems it creates a symbiotic relationship between the fish and the plants.

    Through a nitrifying bacteria process, nitrate is created using fish waste. As the nitrate rich water runs through the system the plant roots act as bio filters and soak up the nitrate and excess ammonia, cleaning the water for the fish. Our system is a closed loop recirculating system, water is only added in due to evaporation and transpiration.

    Want to learn more? Schedule a tour!

    • Soilless farming solution

    • Less risk for contamination

    • Ability to grow 24/7 all year round

    • 70% less water usage

    • Healthy/organic choices are offered in designated rural food deserts (places that do not have readily available farms to source their greens.)

  • Fish poop is an essential part of what makes an aquaponics system so sustainable. The fish poop is filtered out of their tank and shared with the plants to absorb the nutrients.

  • You can! We are in the process of offering a limited amount of lettuce for purchase to community members. Currently, we supply greens to a few restaurant partners who in turn use them in their salads and meals.

Our Mission

The mission of the Growing Together Aquaponics is to provide individuals with disabilities with job-training skills leading to competitive, integrated employment.  Program completers will serve as stewards of healthy nutrition and improved quality of life.

Founded by a Slippery Rock University professor, we have big goals and our story is just beginning. Find out who we are and where we are going.

Programs and Services

Aquaponics Job Training

Growing Together Aquaponics provides transition services for young adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Our services focus on job training and inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Aquaponics Club

A club for children aged 4+ designed to provide hands-on experiences with a functioning aquaponics farm. The club is managed by aquaponics employees which provides leadership and teaching opportunities for program participants.

“Working here gave me social skills, teamwork skills, leadership skills and communication skills. I enjoy harvesting what we’ve grown and sending it off to the restaurants to be used in different ways.”

Zoe, program participant

OUR PARTNERS

Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust

Brown’s Country Kitchen

Mitsubishi Electric Foundation

Georgetown Eats @Eat_at_the_Farm