The latest New Yorker of the Week instills the stems of success through unique classrooms sprouting across the city. NY1's John Schiumo filed the following report.

Through hands-on learning and edible education, healthier habits take root at The Jose De Diego School in Williamsburg.

"Oregano. Here in the back, we have a bit of mint, and here, we have nasturtium, which I only recently learned how to pronounce the name correctly," says student Oliver Medlin.

The experience takes place on the Brooklyn school's roof, inside a 1,500-square-foot greenhouse.

"This is a new classroom," says Manuela Zamora, executive director of New York Sun Works. "You are using urban agriculture as an excuse to have an approach to learning science. The scientific concepts behind every single process suddenly make more sense for them, and therefore is much more engaging to learn."

Manuela is planting those seeds as executive director of New York Sun Works. The nonprofit builds greenhouses and laboratories in schools across the five boroughs.  

"We want them to understand that they as individuals have an impact on the environment," Manuela says. "They have an impact on their school and the community and also in our planet."

"The children are excited to come up here," says Sereida Rodriguez-Guerra, principal of the Jose De Diego School. "And it’s not just the textbook learning. They are learning through doing. They’re growing things, they’re tasting what they’re growing, they’re learning how to take care of it, to take care of the environment."

The greenhouse grows up to 28,000 pounds of produce a year. Students learn responsibility, critical thinking and leadership.

"In the greenhouse, you get to try new things, and it inspires you to try new things in life," says student Maude Cashman.

"I like coming to the greenhouse because I like to harvest foods and taste the different foods once we harvest them," says student Katya Guaman.

Since 2010, New York Sun Works has built labs in 30 schools. Manuela is working to build 100 by 2020.

"She's amazing. She's been so helpful," says Ming Chan, greenhouse teacher at the Jose De Diego School. "I loved that she started this program and I get to work with her. And it’s a real treat to come to work every day."

So, for growing greener minds and greener thumbs , Manuela Zamora is  the latest New Yorker of the Week.

For more information about the nonprofit, visit nysunworks.org.