The Shapiro Administration recently awarded the School District of Philadelphia a $250,000 Schools-to-Work grant to expand agricultural career education.
The district will use the funding to develop a Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Pre-Apprenticeship Pipeline Program.
The program will offer 24 students annually the opportunity to learn about indoor farming technology. Any food produced will be used to help the district fight food insecurity among its students.
Students also will have the option to advance into one of the district’s plumbing or electrical trades registered apprenticeship programs.
“This grant enables us to target one of the most food insecure and largest food deserts in Philadelphia,” Dr. Mandy Manna, principal and farm manager, said. “It will truly help build intrinsic motivation within our students and communities, building stronger food-confident communities. Imagine a child who is engaged in growing their own fresh food, while developing soft skills, and being exposed to entrepreneurial experiences through their entire school career. At the Fox Chase Farm we strive to bring innovative and strategic ways to create student-centered learning opportunities to increase the equity and accessibility to all ages and all learning levels using agriculture and career pathways as the driving force,”
Philadelphia serves more than 200,000 students at more than 200 schools.