Investing in Tomorrow's Leaders: The ICCSD Farm-to-Future Earth Internship School

Project Overview

YENC25-227
Project Type: Youth Educator
Funds awarded in 2025: $6,000.00
Projected End Date: 08/31/2026
Grant Recipient: Iowa City Community School District
Region: North Central
State: Iowa
Project Manager:
Dominic Audia
Iowa City Community School District
Project Co-Managers:
Carmen Gwenigale
Iowa City Community School District
Jason Grimm
Iowa Valley RC&D

Commodities

No commodities identified

Practices

No practices identified

Proposal abstract:

The ICCSD Farm-to-Future Earth Internship School proposes a comprehensive program to cultivate future leaders in sustainable agriculture. Addressing the global food system's challenges, it offers young adults immersive experiences, including fieldwork at the Johnson County Poor Farm, interactive seminars, and field trips to diverse sustainable agriculture models. The program bridges the gap between education and career exploration, offering dual credits through Kirkwood Community College and completion stipends. It emphasizes community engagement through presentations and media. A SARE Grant request of $6,000 supports coordination, trips, stipends, and lunch, aiming to empower a new generation to transform food systems sustainably.

Project objectives from proposal:

Our program provides a dynamic, hands-on learning experience for young adults, immersing them in the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture. Through:

  • 10 intensive field days at the JCHPF, participants will gain practical horticultural skills, working alongside experienced mentors to cultivate and harvest crops using sustainable methods.
  • Interactive Seminars foster critical thinking and a deeper understanding of complex topics like modern food systems, social responsibility, and the environmental impact of agriculture.
  • 3 Strategic Career field trips expose students to diverse sustainable agriculture models in action, from cutting-edge urban farms to established organizations championing sustainable practices.

 

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.