The Iowa Homeless Youth Center recently received a $15,000 award from the Microsoft Community Empowerment Fund to support technology needs at its workforce development program, called the Rooftop Gardens. Participants in the program will grow fresh produce and herbs through hydroponic farms, raised beds and vertical growing techniques. The produce will be sold to local retailers and consumers in the community and create a self-sustaining social entrepreneurial venture, IHYC said in a statement. The Microsoft Community Empowerment Fund is managed by Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Development team and designed to support community-led and prioritized projects.