Hands-on Agriculture Experiences for Emerging Agriculture Leaders

View the project final report

Commodities

Practices

• Education and Training: youth education
• Sustainable Communities: employment opportunities, quality of life, urban agriculture

1. What we taught: GROW partnered with Western Technical College(WTC) to provide hands-on agriculture learning experiences in our state-of-the-art indoor growing space for middle and high school students. 
2. Educational approach: Field trip opportunities introduced students to Sustainable Agriculture practices that are ecologically sound, economically viable and positive for people.  Additionally, through partnership with WTC students gained first-hand knowledge of the Agribusiness and Horticulture programs and future career paths available in our area.
3. Statement of conclusions: Hundreds of middle school and high school students engaged in the indoor growing space, and their enthusiasm was real. They reported learning and asked that we integrate foods they sampled on the field trips into upcoming student events. This model is a successful way to engage youth in sustainable agriculture.
4. Adoptions: At the end of our field trip season we hosted an open house for area educators to share the work we accomplished with these grant funds. The event connected local educators with staff from our organization and the Agribusiness program we partner with at Western Technical College

1. Increased agriculture knowledge and skills to 20 high school students through multiple hands-on work sessions with growers practicing organic and a wide range of growing techniques.
2. Introduced at least ten groups of middle school and high school aged youth to sustainable agriculture career opportunities through agribusiness and horticulture program campus tours and hands-on project based learning in the indoor growing space.
3. Shared results of the learning experiences and partnership with regional school districts and partners to build upon the outcomes.