Introduction:
The Lorain City School District (LCS) recognizes the importance of providing students with diverse educational opportunities that prepare them for future success. In alignment with this goal, we propose establishing a comprehensive horticulture program aimed at enhancing students' skills, knowledge, and interest in horticulture. This additional Horticulture Pathway will educate and empower students to solve food scarcity, provide job opportunities, and improve the quality of life for Lorain residents.
Living in an urban community with a poverty level above the national average, Lorain residents have limited access to recreational green spaces and fresh fruits and vegetables, contributing to overall health. The city is a food desert, defined by the CDC as areas that lack access to essential nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Creating a horticulture program will provide a solution by preparing students for a career field combining plant science and greenhouse management.
We aim to educate students about the sustainable agriculture movement by providing experiential learning with relevant pedagogy to inspire creative thinking about the horticulture industry. We want to create change-makers who will assist their community by providing farm-to-table produce to our culinary arts pathway, Second Harvest Food Bank, and other potential partners. To support the implementation and sustainability of this program, we seek funding from state, federal, foundation, and corporate sources.
Program Objectives:
- To provide students with hands-on learning experiences in horticulture, including plant cultivation, landscaping, and environmental conservation.
- To foster students' interest and proficiency in horticulture, preparing them for careers in agriculture, landscaping, environmental science, and related fields.
- To promote interdisciplinary learning by integrating horticulture concepts into existing science, math, and environmental education curricula.
- To cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability among students, encouraging them to actively engage in practices that protect and preserve our natural resources.
- We aim to create career and college opportunities while developing our students for today's workforce.
Program Components:
- Curriculum Development: Develop a comprehensive horticulture curriculum aligned with state academic standards, covering topics such as plant biology, soil science, pest management, landscape design, and sustainable agriculture.
- Hands-On Learning: Provide students with opportunities for hands-on learning through greenhouse activities, garden maintenance, landscaping projects, and field trips to local farms, botanical gardens, and nurseries.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses, agricultural organizations, and community partners to provide students with real-world experiences, guest lectures, and internship opportunities in the horticulture industry.
- Teacher Training: Provide professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their knowledge and skills in horticulture education, ensuring effective delivery of the curriculum and instructional support for students.
- Resource Acquisition: Acquire necessary resources, including gardening tools, equipment, greenhouse supplies, and instructional materials, to support the implementation of the horticulture program.
Project Need:
- Construction: LCS proposes constructing buildings and structures to serve as a classroom, laboratory, and greenhouse for a horticulture pathway. The construction would consist of the following:
- High bay
- Office
- Storage area
- Changing room
- Tool crib
- Reference room
- Restroom facilities
- Ancillary spaces
- Classroom space for a minimum of 25 students
- Program lab
- Three greenhouses will be housed in a single structure, each equipped with a separate temperature control system.
Funding Request:
- State Funding: We request state funding support to cover the costs associated with curriculum development, teacher training, resource acquisition, program implementation, and construction and infrastructure costs. This funding will enable us to establish a sustainable horticulture program that benefits students for years to come.
- Federal Funding: We also seek federal funding opportunities, such as grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Department of Education, to supplement state funding and expand the scope and reach of the horticulture program.
- Foundation & Partnership Funding: We will be seeking local foundation support and corporate partnerships
Program Evaluation:
- Assessment Metrics: Develop evaluation metrics to assess the effectiveness and impact of the horticulture program, including student achievement, engagement, career readiness, and environmental awareness.
- Continuous Improvement: Use evaluation findings to inform program improvements, curriculum enhancements, and resource allocation decisions, ensuring the horticulture program's ongoing quality and relevance.
Conclusion:
Establishing a horticulture program at Lorain High School and our middle schools presents a unique opportunity to enrich students' educational experiences, foster environmental stewardship, and prepare them for future careers in the growing field of horticulture. With support from state, federal, foundation, and corporate funding, we can realize this vision and empower students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Thank you for considering our proposal. We look forward to your support in making the horticulture program a reality for our Lorain High School and Middle school students.