FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Saturn Institute Announces $26 Million Campaign to Revitalize Pontiac Through Urban Farming Trade School
PONTIAC, MI – [July 30, 2025] – The Saturn Institute today announced an ambitious $26 million campaign to repurpose a 100,000 square foot former school building situated on 8 acres in Pontiac, Michigan, into a cutting-edge trade school dedicated to urban farming. This transformative initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of skilled farmers, enhance local food security, stimulate economic growth, and breathe new life into the heart of Pontiac.
The Saturn Institute envisions a vibrant educational hub where students will receive comprehensive, hands-on training in sustainable agricultural practices, modern farming techniques including hydroponics and urban agriculture, and the essential business skills needed to thrive in today’s agricultural landscape. The curriculum will be designed to address the growing demand for locally sourced food, promote healthier communities, and create meaningful career pathways for residents.
“Our vision is to bring farming back to our local hometowns, starting right here in Pontiac,” said a spokesperson for the Saturn Institute. “By repurposing this existing school, we are not only preserving a piece of our community’s history but also planting the seeds for a greener, more sustainable future. This trade school will be a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals with valuable skills and providing fresh, nutritious food for our community.”
The $26 million campaign will fund the complete renovation and modernization of the school building, the establishment of indoor and outdoor farming facilities, the development of a comprehensive curriculum, the recruitment of expert faculty, and the initial operational costs of the institute.
The Saturn Institute is actively pursuing a multi-faceted fundraising strategy that includes grant applications to federal and state agencies, cultivating partnerships with philanthropic foundations, and engaging the local community through various donation initiatives and fundraising events.
“We believe this project will have a profound and lasting impact on Pontiac,” the spokesperson added. “It’s about more than just farming; it’s about community revitalization, workforce development, and fostering a deeper connection to our food system. We invite everyone who shares this vision to participate in this exciting endeavor.”
The Saturn Institute is calling on individuals, businesses, community organizations, and philanthropic partners to join them in making this vision a reality. To learn more about the project and how you can contribute, please email fd@saturninstitute.com. Together, we can help bring back farming to local hometowns and cultivate a brighter future for Pontiac.
About The Saturn Institute:
The Saturn Institute is a organization dedicated to establishing a trade school for farming in Pontiac, Michigan. With a mission to revitalize local communities through agricultural education and innovation, the institute is committed to fostering a skilled workforce, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable practices.
Contact:
Saturn Institute
fd@saturninstitute.com 248.919.8882
