Food Fellowship

View the project final report

Commodities

Practices

• Crop Production: cover crops, food processing, food processing facilities/community kitchens, nutrient management, pollinator health
• Education and Training: farmer to farmer, workshop, youth education

1) An explanation of what you taught youth about sustainable agriculture:

Through our Food Fellowship, we hosted a nine-month program focused on food cultivation, business and entrepreneurship, policy and advocacy, and STEM. 

2) The educational approach used and youth learning outcomes:

This fellowship blended academic learning, hands-on practice, and policy-focused experiences to cultivate future leaders dedicated to driving positive change. Collaborations with business owners, local farmers, and community advocates, provided opportunities for mentorship and hands-on insights into local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and the impact of policy. The Fellowship met 20 to 25 hours a month. Each Fellow who successfully completed the program received a stipend of $1,800. We hope they will pursue for agricultural, public administration, or business-related studies.

3) Succinct statement of conclusions: 

This program better equipped students to navigate and understand the intricate dynamics that influence food production access, affordability, and quality. Students also gained unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within the food system. With this contextual knowledge, they will be better equipped to drive change and explore innovative solutions to hunger that are grounded in reality.

4) Youth, educator, parent adoption actions that resulted from the education program:

The Fellowship incorporated a career-preparation component, featuring coaching, experiential learning, and policy engagement. To further support and incentivize students, we provided a stipend upon completion, hoping to encourage the pursuit of higher education in fields such as agricultural sciences, public administration or business.  This forward-thinking fellowship ultimately aims to develop a cohort of young leaders who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to transform the food ecosystem.

• Increase the understanding of 3 high school seniors (fellows) of the food ecosystem, business, and entrepreneurship.
• Expose fellows to agriculture, bees, vermiculture, and specialty crops through hands-on activities.
• Introduce fellows to farmers, government officials, and business leaders who will serve as mentors and teachers.
• Help fellows' see themselves in the food ecosystem and how they can study agriculture and more as a career.
• Deepen fellows’ understanding of the link between agriculture, policy, business, and a healthy food system.