Our 2022-2023 Agriculture and Youth direct grant application entitled “A Pilot Model for Introducing CEA to Urban School Districts” was selected for funding.
This grant will provide the opportunity, through College in the High School and Traditional Dual Enrollment pathways, for high school students within low socioeconomic school districts to enroll in the undergraduate Introduction to CEA seminar course (ENVS 110) offered within the Environmental Science and Sustainability (ENVS) program at HU at no cost to them.
Each student participating in the Dual Enrollment offerings will build a functioning hydroponic system that, at the conclusion of the course, will return home with them. All materials necessary for long-term maintenance of the system and the ability to monitor and adjust water quality will be provided, including seeds, growing media, sensors, nutrients, and chemicals. This home-sized system will positively impact food security on a personal level and will increase the likelihood of continued interest in CEA. This pilot offering of the Intro to CEA seminar course will provide the pathway for these students to build competencies desired in the workforce.