Earning Criteria

• COMMUNICATION - On a daily basis, followed instructions and asked the class instructor or tutors questions to clarify goals and expectations and ensure efficient task completion; Students are trained to understand the importance of using professional and respectful language in order to convey competence, de-escalate customer conflicts, and maintain the company’s reputation; The classroom environment is civil, pleasant, and polite - emulating a business that is strong in customer service.
• TEAMWORK - Alongside a lead instructor and tutors, students serve as greenhouse crew, overseeing the cultivation process. Responsibilities (including planting, watering, fertilizing, pest and disease control, and pruning) are divided amongst the group in order to ensure the successful operation and productivity of the greenhouse; Engaged with classmates from a wide range of backgrounds and developed respect and understanding for those from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• THINKING & PROBLEM-SOLVING - Evaluated tropical plant irrigation, sharing observations with the instructor and solving based on conclusions; Addressed soil issues such as compaction, nutrient deficiencies, and pH imbalance by incorporating organic matter, applying fertilizers, and using soil amendments.; Analyzed pest and disease issues, learning to recognize the symptoms of common pests and diseases and take appropriate action.
• PROFESSIONALISM & RESPONSIBILITY - Students must sign and abide by classroom rules, which include showing up on time, dressing nicely, and checking in and out the tools they use; Rotated through regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning, sanitizing, repairing equipment, and maintaining irrigation and climate control systems.
• LEARNING & ADAPTABILITY - Through experimentation and trial and error, learned from both successes and failures and developed the ability to adjust to changing circumstances and embrace new situations with resilience and flexibility; Learned different ways to grow the same plant, which enables students to draw upon multiple strategies and approaches to tackle challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and innovate in response to new situations.
• MOTIVATION & INITIATIVE - By being assigned to various greenhouse duties (e.g., watering duty), students are empowered to take ownership of their responsibilities and seek solutions; Students use their time in class as they wish (within reason) to accomplish the goals and tasks laid out for them.