Diverse teens potting plants at picnic table

About

Schools Need Support, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit, believes in empowering youth to grow a better future and community

Vision

A generation of empowered youth who are inspired and equipped with knowledge, skills, and confidence to grow and care for plants, strengthen their communities, and sow seeds of hope for a greener tomorrow.

Children smiling and picking strawberries in sunshine
Children smiling and picking strawberries in sunshine

Mission

Schools Need Support, Inc. educates, empowers, and engages youth in hands-on agricultural experiences. Through our programs, young people discover their strengths, explore creative pathways, develop real-world skills, and grow into leaders who cultivate thriving communities and a sustainable future.

Diverse teens potting plants at picnic table

About our Founder - Reinhart Elboeck

As the founder of Hand Picked Nursery, I have spent years building a business centered around growth—not only growing plants, but also growing ideas, opportunities, and stronger communities. Working in the nursery industry has shown me how something small can become something meaningful when it is given the right environment, care, and support. That same belief inspired me to create Schools Need Support a nonprofit focused on helping young adults discover their passions and learn how to turn their ideas into real businesses.

My vision is to create a safe, educational place where students can learn entrepreneurship through hands-on experience. They will work together as a team, explore their creativity, and learn each step involved in building a business—from developing an idea and creating a product to marketing, teamwork, problem-solving, and serving customers. Most importantly, I want young people to have access to the resources, encouragement, and guidance they need to pursue their dreams with confidence. Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover what excites them and to believe that they are capable of creating a successful future.

Schools Need Support founder Reinhart Elboeck

Our Partner

Schools Need Support values our nursery partner, Hand Picked Nursery, who provides plants at a discount, workshop and meeting space, nursery expertise and opportunities for youth serving agencies to raise funds. Interested in partnering with us? Check out our Get Involved page.