Students in the AGET 4890: Structures and Environmental Control course at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville successfully completed the construction and assembly of a greenhouse for Southwestern Wisconsin High School.
Students traveled twice weekly last fall to Hazel Green for hands-on construction labs. Under the guidance of David Heimerdinger, associate professor of agricultural engineering technology, they applied course concepts—including building components, construction methods, and material application—to construct a fully functional greenhouse that now supports agricultural education at the high school.
“This project allowed students to gain practical experience while contributing to a meaningful community partnership,” said Heimerdinger. “They learned how to adapt to real job‑site challenges, communicate effectively and apply classroom concepts in a hands‑on environment that mirrors the work they’ll encounter in their careers.”
The project also demonstrated the importance of community engagement by connecting university students with a local school in a way that strengthened educational opportunities for both groups.
“Being able to do this for the high school made it more enjoyable,” said Lukas Henneberry, a senior engineering technology management major from Muskego, Wisconsin. “Knowing that students will be using it for classes that many high schools don’t offer made it even more meaningful. It reminded me that community service is important in life.”
Both students emphasized how the project deepened their appreciation for community service and hands-on learning.
“This experience showed me that community service can be both enjoyable and educational, rather than simply a task to be completed,” said senior Kaleb Welhouse who is studying agribusiness from New Glarus, Wisconsin. “Working alongside peers toward a shared goal created a sense of purpose and accomplishment that made the project more enjoyable.”
Southwestern Wisconsin High School now has a greenhouse that will enhance hands-on learning opportunities for its agriculture students.
“We greatly appreciate the partnership with UW–Platteville,” said Hannah Recker, agriculture educator at Southwestern Wisconsin High School. “This greenhouse strengthens the agriculture program by providing our students with a place for hands-on learning and gives our students valuable real-world experience.”
Materials for the greenhouse were provided by Southwestern Wisconsin High School. Additional funding for tools, equipment and transportation was funded by the Student Research and Engagement Fund at UW-Platteville and the School of Agriculture.