ECO 180 is not a typical STEM nonprofit. The South Carolina organization combines high-tech agricultural science with social justice and environmental activism, aiming to build a more resilient and equitable state.
Founded by Jasmine Singh, ECO 180 addresses deep systemic inequities involving environmental racism, climate justice, and racial disparities in STEM education. The 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit is based in Rembert, SC, and operates across South Carolina. Its work is driven by the belief that the climate crisis and social injustice are inextricably linked.
The organization focuses on three main groups: underserved youth, whom it engages through hands-on agricultural STEAM education to close opportunity gaps and inspire future careers in farming; the broader community, ensuring individuals and families of all backgrounds have access to programs and resources; and low-income neighborhoods hit hardest by food insecurity, pollution, and historical environmental challenges, along with the schools and educators who use sponsor-funded STEM Ag Kits to teach modern environmental science.
ECO 180’s core initiatives include Smart Aquaponics to grow food and conserve water, which teaches modern farming methods while producing food. Sponsor-funded STEM Ag Kits bring hands-on agricultural science into homes and classrooms. Community Feeding programs connect locally grown produce with local families. Clean Community efforts clean up neglected, low-income neighborhoods to fight environmental racism.
These programs are designed to drive lasting grassroots change. By equipping communities with tools and knowledge, ECO 180 aims to address the linked challenges of climate crisis and social injustice. The organization also works to reverse the decline of Black farmers by engaging youth in high-tech farming and to close the educational opportunity gap through hands-on resources that build competitive future skills.
In a statement, Singh said: “True climate justice starts in our own backyards, by cleaning up our neighborhoods, supporting the next generation of farmers, and ensuring every community has equal access to fresh food and STEM.”
ECO 180’s approach is distinct because it fully merges high-tech agricultural science with social justice and environmental activism. Through aquaponics, it transforms local food systems and builds long-term community resilience. The nonprofit’s mission is to inspire underserved youth through agricultural STEAM learning and to champion environmental justice by addressing how the climate crisis and social injustice are linked.
By focusing on clean water, air, and land, ECO 180 advocates for communities that have historically borne the brunt of pollution. Its Clean Community efforts target neglected low-income spaces, while its educational programs aim to create a new generation equipped to tackle environmental challenges. The organization’s work spans from hands-on learning to direct community action, all rooted in the belief that environmental and social issues must be addressed together.
If you are interested in supporting ECO 180 and their initiatives, head over to www.eco180.org to get involved.