Programs
Youth Grow
GARDEN-BASED EDUCATION
Youth Grow provides hands-on education in school gardens to help all children feel accepted and empowered to make healthy choices, become stewards of the environment, share their culture and increase community resiliency.
What We Do
Educate
Lead garden-based education during the school day, afterschool and summer to engage kids in science and interdisciplinary learning while building skills of classroom teachers. Each year we teach over 2000 students during the school day and 300 in afterschool Garden Clubs.
During the Coronavirus school closures, we have pivoted to provide innovative programming:
- * Youth Grow YouTube channel with video lessons! These lessons were embedded into teacher’s distance learning activities at 10 schools. Growing Gardens educators also joined the “live” online class meetings from the gardens.
- * Distributed hundreds of take-home Garden Kits (pots, soil, seeds, “Sprout Journal” activity book, ruler and Home Gardens flyer) at school-based food pantries.
- * Shifted to production gardening at school gardens to harvest vegetables and donate them to families at school-based food pantries
Promote Health
Improve access to and child enthusiasm for healthy fruits and vegetables. This year our goal is to harvest at least 800lbs of produce to donate to the cafeteria, offer in taste-tests and give to families.
Inspire Environmental Stewards
Inspire the next generation of environmental conservationists. We get kids outside to have hands-on experiences with the biodiversity of nature. Lessons that connect to the big picture (soil fertility, pollination, carbon cycle, climate, etc.)
Build Community
Facilitate intergenerational and multicultural community-building. Last year we participated in over 50 school events to connect families around common interests in gardens and food.
Focus on Sustainability
Build the skills, sense of ownership and resources to ensure that garden programs continue beyond GG’s partnership with each school.
Build a Movement
Play a leadership role in the regional movement to expand and sustain school garden programs for more children, teachers and families.
- Portland Farm and Garden Educators Network – Check out how to participate!
- School Garden Coordinator Certificate Training – Learn more and register here!
- Oregon Farm to School and School Garden Network – www.oregonfarmtoschool.org
- Share curriculum and other resources – School Garden Resource page
Where we Work
Our current school partners are:
- Faubion K-8
- Lent K-8
- Kelly K-5
- Whitman K-5
- Scott K-5
- Cherry Park K-5
- Glenfair K-5
- Davis K-5
- Powell Butte K-5
- Patrick Lynch K-5
- David Douglas High School
To apply for a school partnership, please contact our Youth Grow Program Manager Amoreena. Youth Grow takes on new commitments as funding allows and seeks opportunities for joint fundraising.