GMTRG: SERHS Spring 2026

Graduating Class at Lincolnville AME Church

Urban Sustainability Solutions was proud to continue working with Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, where students combined technical skills with community engagement to explore how stormwater solutions can support both environmental health and cultural connection.

During their field experience, students visited two local churches to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. At the United Church of Christ for All People, the introductory rain garden group focused on measuring and designing a rain garden, developing a plan that could help manage runoff on the property.

At the same site, the advanced student group presented stormwater design recommendations to Rev. Jeremiah Grant and members of the congregation, sharing ideas for additional practices to better capture and manage rainfall. This presentation gave students valuable experience communicating technical concepts to community stakeholders.

Team of Advanced Students presenting their plan to Lincolnville AME congregation.

The group then traveled to Lincolnville AME Church, where students presented their design plans to Reverend Dr. Wayne E. Beatty, members of his congregation, and a partner congregation representing the local Haitian community. Their plan highlighted not only strategies for harvesting and managing water, but also how green infrastructure can reflect and uplift the history and cultural identity of the church community.

Students proposed incorporating herbs and perennial plants with cultural and biblical significance into both the rain garden and adjacent community garden spaces. This approach demonstrated how stormwater design can go beyond function and serve as a bridge between environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and community gathering.

Through this experience, Southeast Raleigh students strengthened their design, presentation, and collaboration skills while seeing firsthand how their work can make a meaningful impact.