Growing Opportunities with Jacksonville’s Youth
Announcing the Launch of the Bloom Lab with Friends of PHXJAX
Last week, the community came together at the Emerald Station to celebrate a transformative moment for North Springfield and beyond with the official announcement of Bloom Lab, a state-supported after-school program blending agriculture, arts, and entrepreneurship for students in grades 6th through 12th and our first official pilot initiative with Friends of PHXJAX.
The event brought together an inspiring lineup of leaders and changemakers. Senator Tracie Davis, who championed Bloom Lab in the Florida Senate, spoke about the importance of investing in programs that connect youth to their community, environment, and future. Representative Wyman Duggan, who co-sponsored the $350,000 state appropriation in the Florida House, was recognized for his instrumental role in securing funding, even though he was unable to attend in person. Mayor Donna Deegan joined in sharing her support, underscoring how initiatives like Bloom Lab align with her vision for an inclusive, thriving Jacksonville.
Tony Cho, Founder of the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District, and Emily Moody, Executive Director of Friends of PHX JAX, shared their vision for Bloom Lab as a hands-on, mentorship-driven program. Students will gain experience in sustainable farming, creative expression, and business skills — culminating in the opportunity to operate youth-led market stalls, connecting them directly to the local economy.
More than just an after-school program, Bloom Lab is a community-driven effort to plant seeds of creativity, confidence, and opportunity in a neighborhood brimming with potential.
It represents a collaborative investment between public funding, private vision, and grassroots engagement to ensure that young people have the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to grow.
How You Can Help Bloom Lab Flourish:
Donate Today: Every gift helps provide tools, supplies, and learning experiences for our youth. Give now through our Give Back page.
Spread the Word: Share Bloom Lab’s story with your network and help us grow our community of supporters.
Get Involved: Mentor a student, lead a workshop, or lend your expertise. Send us an email and share how you’d like to get involved. Contact us