Bayer Marana Innovation Center, Senior Operations Coordinator, Melissa Solis
Bringing Agriculture, Sustainability & STEM Education to Local Students
How a Marana Chamber connection grew into a semester-long partnership
One of the things I appreciate most about working at the Bayer Marana Innovation Center is the opportunity to connect our work with the community we call home. Thanks to the Marana Chamber of Commerce's Business/Principal Exchange Program, we partnered this spring with Estes Elementary School to bring hands-on learning experiences in agriculture, sustainability, and STEM to local students.
What began as an introduction between Principal Michelle Bergesen and our team quickly grew into a rewarding semester-long collaboration. Bayer Marana employees volunteered their time and expertise to inspire curiosity about science, agriculture, and environmental stewardship through several activities, including STEAM Night, an outdoor garden revitalization project, and an eight-week after-school gardening club.
The centerpiece of the partnership was the gardening club. Thirty-five students rolled up their sleeves to plant vegetables and wildflowers, install bee hotels and birdhouses, and discover how agriculture and sustainability work together.
At Bayer Marana, our community engagement efforts focus on sustainability, agriculture, and health and nutrition — areas that align with both our global mission and the passions of our local workforce. This partnership demonstrated what's possible when businesses and educators work together to create lasting learning opportunities for students.
We're grateful to the Marana Chamber for making this connection and to CEO Amanda Wiggins for joining us during the Earth Day activities. We're also thankful to Principal Bergesen and the staff at Estes Elementary for welcoming us into their school. I hope this experience encourages other Chamber members to explore the program and discover how their own expertise can make a meaningful impact.
If you'd like to learn more about the Marana Innovation Center, I invite you to visit our facility and experience firsthand how we're helping shape the future of agriculture. We regularly host guided greenhouse tours for community organizations, schools, youth STEM programs, and other groups. To learn more or schedule a tour, contact maranatours@bayer.com.