G.E.A.R. (Gahanna Employability Adult Readiness) Gardens Project

View the project final report

Commodities

• Fruits: berries (strawberries)
• Vegetables: greens (leafy), greens (lettuces)
• Additional Plants: herbs

Practices

• Crop Production: fertilizers, food processing, food processing facilities/community kitchens, food product quality/safety, pollination
• Education and Training: demonstration, display, networking, workshop, youth education
• Farm Business Management: apprentice/intern training
• Production Systems: hydroponics
• Sustainable Communities: community services, employment opportunities, public participation, sustainability measures

The goal is to develop and maintain a self-funded agricultural program with a Christmas tree farm, wildflower garden, hydroponic vegetable garden, and pumpkin patch.  Through the development of this project, we will be teaching transition skills to students with disabilities ages 18-21.  Students will gain skills in independence,  employability, communication, and social skills.  We will give back to Gahanna Jefferson Schools as well as Jefferson Township and be an educational resource to our families and neighborhoods. 

1. Our first objective is to teach employability and adult readiness skills to young adults with special needs through hands-on agricultural learning opportunities.
2. Increase our students' understanding of farm-to-table by having them be involved in every step of the growing process. 
3.  Students and teachers will continue to share about the GEAR Gardens Project through current social media accounts.