Project Overview
YENC26-249
Project Type: Youth Educator
Funds awarded in 2026: $5,991.00
Projected End Date: 12/15/2026
Grant Recipient:
Community Food Initiatives
Region: North Central
State: Ohio
Project Manager:
Molly Gassaway
Community Food Initiatives
Commodities
No commodities identified
Practices
No practices identified
Proposal abstract:
Building on the success of Summer Sprouts, this proposal pilots an innovative garden program for older students, engaging 20 campers and 5 youth Garden Education Mentors (GEMs) in hands-on regenerative agriculture projects led by local farmers. Students will explore sustainable agriculture, learn about local farming careers, and build leadership and stewardship skills. The program blends experiential learning, intergenerational mentorship, and farmer-led, youth-informed curriculum. Outcomes, curriculum, and lessons learned will be shared with educators and presented at local conferences in 2026 such as the School Gardens of Ohio and Rural Action Green Teachers Conferences, to support broader adoption.
Project objectives from proposal:
- 20 participating campers and 5 youth
Garden Education Mentors (GEMs) improve knowledge of several
regenerative agriculture practices through hands-on gardening
projects led by local farmers. - Youth understand a variety of
sustainable agriculture careers available locally by learning from
farmers working in various contexts including farmers markets,
CSAs, OEFFA, Ohio University, and community-based
organizations. - Curriculum developed for summer camp
that is farmer-led and youth informed. Outcomes and learnings from
this pilot are shared by staff and youth with educators and at
conferences.
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.