(09/26/2025) Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy for Math and Environmental Science (CBPA) was recently recognized as the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) National Program of the Month.

The JMG program is an international youth gardening program of the University Cooperative Extension network. JMG engages children in novel, hands-on group and individual learning experiences that foster a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate their minds.

At CBPA, students in fourth and fifth grade are supported by the University of Minnesota Extension program and have the opportunity to work alongside great leaders, working towards becoming certified junior master gardeners. 

Through this program, not only do students learn about planting and gardening, but they also learn about leadership and stewardship through activities that reach out to others in the community.

The program isn’t just limited to students in grades four and five. Each grade level is responsible for planting and maintaining raised garden beds in and around the school’s greenhouse. 

Gardening responsibilities: 

• Kindergarten: fruits and vegetables
• First grade: sunflowers
• Second grade: pollinators
• Third grade: fruits and vegetables
• Fourth grade: salsa garden
• Fifth grade: assist all garden planting, harvesting and prepare hanging baskets for the school fundraiser.