17-year-old Milwaukee student awarded $25,000 to spread love of gardening
After winning an award from a partnership between LeBron James and LIFEWTR, Alex Coolman wants to inspire others to try urban farming.
By: Kaylee Staral
WTMJ-TV
May 10, 2023
A 17-year-old Milwaukee student received $25,000 to grow her love of gardening.
With the money, Alexzandra Coolman hopes to inspire other teens to try urban gardening.
“I almost cried,” Coolman exclaimed. “I’ve never really won that much money before.”
The award comes from a partnership between the water brand, LIFEWTR, and LeBron James as part of their “More to Life” campaign. They distributed over $100,000 in grants to people across the country pursuing their passion.
Coolman’s passion is gardening. She has a plot at Alice’s Garden where she grows her own vegetables and herbs
“I’m hoping to get a lot more young people, especially young people, out here to collaborate. Doing this instead of being out doing bad stuff,” Coolman said.
Her mom, Andy Coolmman, said they also want to support the “CAGE” program. CAGE stands for Community Agricultural Growing Experiences.
“We really hope we can encourage other youth to come through and do something different like find peace, read a book here, or eat lunch,” Coolman’s mom explained.
