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School-based urban agriculture program teaches students gardening, irrigation and leadership skills
Summary
Speakers described a school-offered urban agriculture program that teaches plant and animal science, micro-irrigation, teamwork and leadership; students said the program helped them learn to grow food, raise chickens and gain practical DIY skills.
Staff member said, "We focus on introducing kids to the world of agriculture. Many of our kids come from backgrounds where they have never experienced anything, directly related to agriculture." The speaker described a school-based urban agriculture program that presents plant science, animal science and agricultural history and gives students hands-on chances to garden, raise chickens and learn basic irrigation.
The program aims to help students "have an appreciation for where their food comes from" and to prepare them to participate in a small local economy, the staff member said. Instruction includes planting and caring for vegetables, basic animal care and technical skills such as setting up drip or micro‑irrigation systems.
Student 1 said, "My favorite part about the agriculture program was just learning how to grow my own food and vegetables, like to save myself and the fact that it's offered in a school near the city, it's a really nice opportunity to have." Another student commented on access to fresh food in urban areas, saying, "I see urban agriculture really, like, affecting everyone because sometimes, food can be hard to, get in the city. It's, like, especially fresh as well."
The staff member described teamwork and practical-skill components: "A lot of our activities are based around building teamwork, getting things done in a cooperative manner.... they may have to work on, you know, home repairs or things like that and, just being able to have a little bit of DIY skills whether that be working with a power drill or doing small plumbing projects or working the garden to install a micro irrigation system to keep their plants looking healthy." The staff member added that students may pursue further study at agricultural universities if they choose.
Student 2 described personal benefits from course participation: "Just being part of the class, being active, proactive, I've gained leadership skills I didn't think I was gonna be really getting through high school." In concluding remarks, Student 2 said, "It's great. We grow all these plants. We have our chickens. It's a great class in my opinion, and I think it's a wonderful experience."
The transcript does not specify the program's formal name, the exact school, funding sources or whether the program will expand or be replicated.
