Submitted Photo Hoeven Botanist Club, Brent Lohnes, general manager with Hess Corp. in North Dakota, and Jamie Swenson, executive director for Minot Public School Foundation, both back right, are shown with members of the Hoeven Botanist Club during a check presentation from Hess to the foundation.

The Minot Public School Foundation has announced a $15,000 donation from Hess Corp. to fund Classroom Innovation Grants. These grants empower educators to bring their students new and creative learning opportunities, such as the first project funded this school year — a hydroponic farmstand grow tower for the Hoeven Botanist Club.

“The Hoeven Botanist Club grows lettuce, herbs and other leafy greens from seedlings into full-grown plants in a hydroponic farmstand grow tower. Club members plant, grow, market, package and sell produce to other students, teachers and families in their school,” said Tracy

Nissen, John Hoeven Elementary School fifth grade teacher and adviser for the Hoeven Botanist Club, in the news release. This club provides many hands-on learning opportunities covering an array of subjects.

“Hess is proud to support initiatives that empower students to think critically and embrace alternative learning methods. By fostering innovation in the classroom, we are helping to shape the next generation of problem-solvers and leaders who will drive a vibrant and thriving economy,” said Brent Lohnes, Hess North Dakota general manager.

Classroom Innovation Grants provide resources for innovative projects not typically covered by district, state or federal funds, according to a foundation news release.