On April 22, 2025, Downtown Summerlin transformed into a vibrant hub of sustainability, education, and entrepreneurship as it welcomed the annual Giant Student Farmers Market. From 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin became an energetic marketplace where the community gathered to celebrate Earth Day in a purposeful and impactful way. Organized by Green Our Planet, the event brought together students, teachers, and local residents to highlight the importance of sustainability and experiential learning while empowering the next generation of environmental stewards.
The Giant Student Farmers Market wasn’t just a farmers market – it was a celebration of learning, hard work, and community spirit. The event is the largest student-run farmers market in the nation and serves as an experiential platform for Southern Nevada students participating in Green Our Planet’s innovative school garden programs. These programs teach students the vital skill of cultivating fruits and vegetables through hands-on gardening, all while incorporating critical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts. The skills learned in these gardens go far beyond planting and harvesting—they include lessons in sustainability, food systems, and entrepreneurship.
At the Farmers Market, students become “student farmpreneurs,” running their very own businesses and selling the produce they’ve grown with tireless dedication. From tomatoes to carrots, leafy greens, and herbs, the students’ tables were filled with fresh, healthy produce. Customers from the community came out in large numbers to support the young entrepreneurs and purchase locally grown goods. All proceeds from sales directly fund the continuation and expansion of Green Our Planet’s garden programs, creating a sustainable cycle of education, growth, and reinvestment in these vital initiatives.
The roots of the Giant Student Farmers Market trace back to its humble beginnings in 2014, when it debuted at John S. Park Elementary School in Las Vegas. Over the years, the event has grown in both size and impact, garnering attention and admiration from the local community and beyond. Today, it has become a signature event for the region, drawing record-breaking crowds and inspiring similar markets in other areas. Northern Nevada now hosts its own version of the event, and next year, Utah is expected to join in this movement of student-led sustainability awareness.
Coinciding with Earth Day, the Giant Student Farmers Market carries a message that goes far beyond gardening; it’s about fostering a deep understanding of environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community responsibility. The market educates not only the participating students but also the broader community about the importance of sustainable agriculture and healthy eating practices. At a time when many are disconnected from the source of their food, these events serve as an important reminder of where our food comes from and how we can all play a role in fostering more sustainable systems.
Green Our Planet’s approach offers a creative way to combine education with environmental consciousness. It’s a perfect example of how experiential learning can empower young minds. By connecting academic principles to real-world challenges, the program instills in students not only knowledge but also life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking. These young “farmpreneurs” walk away from the event with far more than the ability to grow and sell produce; they leave with confidence, ecological awareness, and leadership capabilities that will serve them and their communities well into the future.
The event’s success this year further solidified its role as a beloved tradition and an educational milestone. It’s clear that the initiative benefits students in profound ways, but it also serves as a beacon of awareness for the larger public. Parents, educators, and community members come away inspired by the dedication of these young leaders and the vision that Green Our Planet has for a more sustainable future.
Looking ahead, the Giant Student Farmers Market will only continue to grow, reaching more regions, schools, and students. By nurturing this movement, Green Our Planet highlights the transformative potential of combining education, sustainability, and community-driven action. The event is not just a celebration of Earth Day or a student-run market; it’s a symbol of hope and an investment in the leaders of tomorrow. As young farmpreneurs cultivate the soil, they’re also cultivating a future where they’ll have the tools, knowledge, and determination to meet the environmental challenges of their time.