Progress 06/01/10 to 05/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project was youth in grades 5 through 8 from at risk neighborhoods. Youth were recruited from 2 locations,Barnum ElementarySchool inBridgeport, CT,and Windham Middle School in Willimantic CT. TheBridgeport school demographicare70% Hispanics, 25% Black, 2% White, 1% Asian and 1%others.The Windhamschool demographicsare64% Hispanics, 28% White, 6% Black 1% Asian and 1% American Indian. Nearly 100% of the students at both schools qualified for free or reduced lunch. Changes/Problems:Both Bridgeport and Windham programshad difficulties maintaining enrollment due to some students being required to participate in after school homework assistance, some truancy and disciplinary issues, and some students movedout of the school districts. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Principal Investigator and Project Evaluator attended a two-day professional development workshop offered by CYFAR in June, 2014. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?CYFAR Annual Reports were printed and distributed to local partners as well as community collaborators. Each site used different media to keep stakeholders and local decision makers informed. In Bridgeport, for example, postcards highlighting achievements were distributed to local representatives on the "6 Month Notes". Outreach events where held at each school to showcase this project and the skills and knowledge gained by students participating in the 4-H Teen Urban Gardening Project. Events included school and family showcase events, an international food day festival, and family nights. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The finalproject period summarized below: Output: Involve local teens and adults in the development of an urban garden; Accomplishments: More than 100 teens from Bridgeport and Windham were introduced to gardening (42 from Bridgeport and 64 from Windham). Two gardens were built and maintained by 4-H Clubs and adult volunteers, one at Windham Middle School in Windham; one at Barnum Elementary School in Bridgeport. In Bridgeport, teens were introduced to basic concepts of gardening and plant science including: planting seeds for vegetables and herbs, seedling care, transplanting, plant maintenance, ideal planting conditions, and integrated pest management. A hydroponics unit successfully completed. Teens built, planted and maintained 41 raised garden beds and produced over 2,200 pounds of produce which was used by garden 4-H members and their families. Fairfield County Master Gardeners conducted workshops on gardening. In Windham the Healthy Hands 4-H Club enrolled 43 youth members. Teens discussed the components of 4-H leadership, citizenship and service. Youth embraced the community garden concept and received daily assistance from students who were paid through the EASTConn Summer Youth Employment Program. A local master gardener assisted gardening activities between the end of the summer session and the start of school in late August. Youth farmers from Spring Valley Farm shared their knowledge about the complexity of farming and a beekeeper taught the importance of bees and pollination of their plants in the garden. Output: An intergenerational teen and Adult Partnership Advisory Board will be established to provide advice throughout the process. Accomplishments: In Bridgeport the Advisory Board met monthly and it is in the intermediate stages of development. We anticipate continual and expanded support from them and their contacts. The Advisory Board is being expanded to include all 4-H programs in Bridgeport. A 4-H Garden Club Youth Council is being developed. This small group of selected youth will meet twice a month to plan and implement Family Nights, present the program at various community functions and to provide program ideas and changes. In Windham, the CYFAR Program Coordinator is concurrently participating in a 15 community based group that promotes food security (Windham Community Before and After School Task Force). This group was instrumental in year 5 as Windham works onimplementing the sustainability plan after CYFAR is completed. The Conservation, Open Space and Agricultural Commission have also been working to assist the Windham garden continuation. Output: Youth will collaborate with adults from the community who can help connect youth to community resources. Accomplishments: In Bridgeport, when teaching healthy cooking techniques and to connect teens to community resources, our UConn SNAP Ed Educator, shared the location of local food pantries. In collaboration with Barnum School, community volunteers, parents and youth conducted a "Clean the Garden Beds Day" in late March. A Master Gardener volunteer did a garden tour and showed youth samples of beneficial and non-beneficial garden bugs. Another Master Gardner volunteer, a master composter, helped youth build a 3 bin 12 foot compost bin. A 4-H educator conducted a workshop on the national science day experiment. All youth participated in the 4 hour workshop. In Windham, teens learned what it was like to be blind from a volunteer who came in and taught them about her life as a blind person. An agricultural education teacher and farm owner visited the teens and taught them what is involved in owning your own business. Community volunteers included a soils expert, a pest management expert and a beekeeper. The Windham County 4-H Educator provided technology instruction for the youth to prepare for their Teach it Forward event. Students used Microsoft Publisher to develop a recipe book of favorite healthy recipes tried during our nutrition lessons and distributed the books at Family Nights. Output: Field trips, meetings and attendance at meetings that impact policy related to urban gardening opportunities. Accomplishments: Both CYFAR sites organized field trips and engaged teens in topics related to urban gardening and food policy. Bridgeport CYFAR participants visited the Westport Town Farm where they learned about CSA's, the role of agriculture in our society, were introduced to several farm animals and learned about the role of animals in our food system. Postcards highlighting program success were developed and distributed to college officials, and local, state, and federal representatives. In Windham teens visited the UConn EcoHouse Spring Valley Farm, where they learned about the role of agriculture in our society and agricultural careers. Output: Youth will engage in discussions about political and social issues such as violence, health disparities, prisons, racism, and issues in schools. Accomplishments: Healthy lifestyles were a major focus of this year's cooking curriculum. As part of World Food Day in October, Barnum 4- Hers made salsa and baked pita chips and developed a 4-H garden club display. Over 250 families attended the World Food Day Fair at the school. As part of our end of the year recognition program, families of Barnum school 4-Hers tried several samples of recipes cooked by the students over the year. In Windham, youth also were able to understand disabilities better. Eileen Akers, a local blind woman came and told her story to the teens. They were able to ask her questions and discuss her challenges as well as their perceptions of people with disabilities. Teens also discussed the importance of local agriculture and food security. Youth studied the importance of water and cultivation of crops. They learned how many people from third world countries struggle to acquire food and clean water. Output: Individuals from local postsecondary schools will speak with youth about related careers and opportunities. Accomplishments: Both sites brought in professionals from different fields to talk about their professions and career opportunities including: Food Corps volunteers, who talked about careers in food services and horticulture; a SNAP Ed Nutritionist talked about career as nutritionists and related fields; Master Gardeners talked about horticulture careers and the importance of volunteering; and youth visited the Westport Town Farm to learn about careers related to agriculture. In summary, throughout the life of the Project 344 at-risk teens in grades 5-8 were served. In addition to project staff, 130 youth and adult volunteers including community organizations, Master Gardeners, Extension faculty, and special guests contributed 580 hours to the project. Two community partners: Barnum Elementary School in Bridgeport and Windham Middle School in Windham, CT collaborated in the implementation of this project. These schools served a high percentage of low-income families and at-risk youth that nearly 100% of participating youth qualified for free or reduced lunch. Two school gardens, one in each school, were built, prepared and maintained by participating students. These school gardens contributed 5,800 pounds of fresh produce that students and their families took home. The project integrated gardening, technology and workforce readiness. Each year students spent about 40 hours learning about basic gardening, 20 hours learning technology (videography and filmmaking) and 60 hours participating in a workforce simulation. By showing respect, active participation and positive behavior while attending 4-H Teen Urban Gardening activities, students earned points redeemable for real money. At the end of the project, each school had one 4-H Club established, which will continue to maintain the school garden and become part of University of Connecticut 4-H Youth Development Program.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Cutz, G., Campbell, B., Filchak, K., Valiquette, E., Welch, M. (2015). Knowledge Gain of At-Risk Urban Teenagers Associated with a 4-H Teen Urban Gardening and Technology Programs. Journal of Extension (accepted for publication)
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Progress 06/01/13 to 05/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: In Bridgeport participants were recruited from Barnum Elementary School, located on the East side of Bridgeport. There are currently 48 teens participating, from 5th to 8th grades. Nearly 100% of students qualify for free lunch. Demographic is 70% Hispanics, 27% Black, 2% Whites, 1% Asians and 1% others. There are two 4-H clubs; one group meets Monday and Wednesday and the other club meets Tuesday and Thursday. Each group meets for approximately five hours per week. Students meet for 4 hours each week during the school year (30 weeks) and approximately 40 hours (8 hours/week for 5 weeks) during the summer. There are two activity teachers who each work with 13 youths. Experiential learning opportunities are highlighted. Science-based plant science knowledge and video technology is taught through informal educational programs. Invited guests have taught workshops in entomology, (4 hours) video production (16 hours) and composting (4 hours). Youth in Windham 64 youth were recruited from Windham Middle School. School demographic is 64% Hispanics, 28% White, 6% Black, 1% Asian and 1% American Indian. Nearly 100% of students qualified for free and reduced lunch. Teens are from the 6th to 8th grades. There are currently seven students participating in the CYFAR 4-H program. Students meet for two hours, twice aweek. In Windham teens were introduced to basic concepts of gardening and formed the Healthy Hands 4-H Club. Forty-five (45) youth were eligible to receive stipends and met the goals of the Windham CYFAR 4-H program. Teens discussed the components of 4-H leadership, citizenship and service and have experienced how to incorporate these into their daily meetings and activities. Each day, CYFAR youth begin by reciting the 4-H pledge. Changes/Problems: A new logic model was developed and submitted to the NIFA liaison, Steve Goggin, for review and submission to USDA. None of these changes modified the original scope of the grant. The Windham Middle School has faced challenges, including the need to unexpectedly accommodate over 400 grammar school children, as a result of an unanticipated renovation at their school. Despite this significant challenge for the school, they have continued to fully support the CYFAR program, but without an office space. Both Bridgeport and Windham have had difficulties maintaining enrollment due to some students being required to participate in after school homework assistance, some truancy and disciplinary issues, and some students have moved out of the school districts. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? CYFAR staff from both sites had hands-on training on digital cameras and digital video production. Staff helped teens create digital videos and use green screens. Staff also organized and developed poster and others displays for CYFAR 4-H Teen Urban Gardening Project, which were presented at the UConn Outreach Conference in April, 2013. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? CYFAR Annual reports are printed and distributed to local partners as well as community collaborators. CYFAR team presented, "Running Long-Term Urban Extesnion Youth Development Programs: Challenges and Successes Working with at-Risk Youth" at the National Urban Conference, May 6-9, 2013. A research paper "Knowledge Gain of At-Risk Urban Teenagers Associated with a 4-H Teen Urban Gardening and Technology Programs" is being prepared for submission to Journal of Extension. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The CYFAR team has monthly meetings where Logic Model short-term and long-term outcomes are monitored. The focus for the next year is two establish a Teen Advisory Board in each site as well as a solid plan for the sustainability of the two sites.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Output: Involve local teens and adults in the development of an urban garden; Accomplishments: Two garden sites were built and maintained by 4-H Clubs and adult volunteers, one at Windham Middle School in Willimantic and another at Barnum Elementary School in Bridgeport. More than 100 teens were introduced to gardening; 42 from Bridgeport and 64 from Windham. They studied transplanting, watering, weeding, composting, and the difference between annual and perennial plants. Teens also learned about garden pests, planting bulbs, correct watering techniques, when to pick produce and composting, cultivation, companion plants, plant height, sunshine, nutrients in soil, and visual impact. In Bridgeport two 4-H Clubs were formed and they built, planted and maintained 33 raised garden beds, which produced over 2,000 pounds of produce. In Windham the Healthy Hands 4-H Club enrolled 56 youth members. Teens discussed the components of 4-H leadership, citizenship and service. Youth embraced the community garden concept and received daily assistance from college students who were paid by the EASTConn Summer Youth Employment Program. Community members were able to visit the garden and observe progress. A local master gardener assisted with between the end of the summer session and the start of school in late August. A soil expert volunteered her time to instruct students. In Bridgeport, youth participated in and graduated from the 6 week Cooking Matters Program. In Windham, teens participated in Healthy cooking classes conducted by the UConn SNAP Ed Educator and our local Food Corps volunteer. With the help of volunteer culinary and nutrition experts, Cooking Matters taught youth participants how to select nutritious and low-cost ingredients. Output: An intergenerational teen and Adult Partnership Advisory Board will be established to provide advice throughout the process. Accomplishments Each site is recruiting advisory board members. In Bridgeport the Advisory Board is meeting monthly. A 4-H Garden Club Youth Council is being developed. This group of selected youth meets twice a month and their job is to plan and implement Family Nights, present the program at various community events and provide feedback to improve programs. The Windham CYFAR Program Coordinator is concurrently participating in a 15 community based group that promotes food security (Windham Community Before and After School Task Force). This group will be instrumental in year 5 as Windham implements the sustainability plan after CYFAR is completed. The youth had the opportunity to attend a Windham Garden Club Meeting at the Windham Hospital. The CYFAR Coordinator joined the Windham Town Pride Town Wide - School System Beautification Project in late April 2013. Output: Youth will collaborate with adults from the community who can help connect youth to community resources. Accomplishments: Bridgeport, in collaboration with Barnum School, community volunteers, parents and youth a “Clean the Garden Beds Day” was conducted in early April. This is the second year this event takes place. To connect teens to community resources, our UConn SNAP Ed Educator, when teaching healthy cooking techniques, shared location of local food pantries and during the biennial CYFAR visit, 2 youth presented their 4-H club experience to the CYFAR representative during 2-day visit. In Windham, the owner of ‘Doug’s Blood Elixir’ (Pepper Sauce Business) was a community resource by sharing business experiences with CYFAR teens. Students grew peppers to be used in the preparation of hot sauce. Doug met with the students to share information on how to start a business, how to prepare food products to be marketed ‘Connecticut Grown’, and the concepts behind costs and profitability in business. A local volunteer with an agriculture degree/expertise on soils provided support and guidance to youth during the autumn 2012 and spring 2013 sessions. Teens learned about beneficial insects. A Certified Master Gardener taught the youth about Vermicomposting. The Windham County 4-H Educator provided technology instruction for the staff and also taught youth directly how to create videos. He also taught youth how to improve their public speaking skills. The Windham County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Educator provided demonstrations, cooking lessons and engaged the youth in trying new foods on several occasions. EASTCONN volunteers provided gardening and raised bed construction guidance to the 4-Hers. And a local master gardener volunteer assisted with watering while students were off school. Output: Field trips, meetings and attendance at meetings that impact policy related to urban gardening opportunities. Accomplishments: Both CYFAR sites have organized field trips and engaged teens in topics related to urban gardening and food policy. In Bridgeport during the International Food Day Festival in October 2013, teens made squash soup and distributed it to Festival attendees (about 300 people) and manned a Barnum school 4-H garden Club booth. Bridgeport CYFAR teens visited the Westport Town Farm where they learned about CSA's, the role of agriculture in our society and had the opportunity to learn about animals and their role in our food system. In Windham teens visited the UConn EcoHouse Spring Valley Farm, where they learned about the role of agriculture in our society. This farm is located on the main campus of the University of Connecticut, which is operated by college students who are earning degrees in agriculture and are preparing for agriculture related careers. 4-Hers learned about agriculture and agricultural careers. Youth received stipends based upon their attendance attitude and behavior daily during class sessions. They calculated their stipends based upon the quality of their participation to mimic the world of work. Output: Youth will engage in discussions about political and social issues such as violence, health disparities, prisons, racism, and issues in schools. Accomplishments In Bridgeport, healthy lifestyles and eliminating hunger was a major focus of this year’s curriculum. A $250 mini-grant was submitted to “What Will You Bring to the Table?” of GenrerationOn, a youth driven organization whose goal is to end hunger. As part of World Food Day in October, Barnum 4-Hers made salsa and baked pita chips. They also developed a 4-H garden club display. Over 300 families attended the World Food Day Fair at the school. As part of our end of the year recognition program, families of Barnum school 4-Hers made and shared a nutritious Family meal. In Windham, teens discussed the importance of local agriculture and food security. Youth studied the importance of water and cultivation of crops. They learned how many people from third world countries struggle to acquire food and clean water. Teens also discussed the disparities between people who have potable and no potable water, the importance of climate in generating and preserving water and how it has a dramatic impact on agriculture. Teens created weather stations and compared rates of plant growth to rainfall totals and drought. Output: Individuals from local postsecondary schools will speak with youth about related careers and opportunities. Accomplishments: Both sites have brought professionals from different fields to talk about their professions and career opportunities. From Youth Development Educators, Master Gardeners, Food Corp Volunteers, nutritionists, and business owners, students have had the opportunity to hear from professionals about what they do and what it takes to become a professional in such areas. Indeed, in Bridgeport teens learned about jobs in food services and horticulture and in Windham teens have attended workshops on career and opportunities, becoming Food Corps Volunteers, the importance of volunteering, and how to start and own a business.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Cutz, G., Filchak, K., Valiquette, E., Welch, M.E. (June, 2013). Running Long-Term Urban Extension Youth Development Programs: Challenges and Successes Working with at-Risk Youth. Invited. National Urban Extension Conference, May 6-9, 2013.
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Progress 06/01/12 to 05/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: A total of 71 5th to 8th grade youth participated in the CYFAR 4-H Teen Urban Project from June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013. Twenty-six youth were recruited from Barnum Elementary School in Bridgeport and 45 from Windham Middle School in Willimantic, Connecticut. Each school has signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with University of Connecticut for the duration of the project. Barnum School serves K-8th grades and has about 630 students. All students are economically disadvantaged - nearly 100% of students qualify for free lunch. Demographic is 70% Hispanics, 27% Black, 2% Whites, 1% Asians and 1% others; 49% of students live in homes where English is not the primary language. Windham Middle School’s enrollment is about 950 students. Demographic is 64% Hispanics, 28% White, 6% Black, 1% Asian and 1% American Indian. Seventy-eight percent of students qualify for free/reduced meals, 23% of students are not fluent in English; Spanish is the secondary language for most of this population. In Bridgeport students meet for 4 hours each week during the school year (30 weeks) and approximately 40 hours (8 hours/week for 5 weeks) during the summer. One group meets Monday and Wednesday and the other club meets Tuesday and Thursday. There are two activity teachers who each work with 13 youths. Experiential learning opportunities are highlighted. Science-based plant science knowledge is taught through informal educational programs. Invited guests have taught workshops in entomology, (2 hours) video production (16 hours) and composting (4 hours). In Windham there were three separate CYFAR 4-H programs held: summer 2012, autumn 2012 and spring 2013. Students met for 4.5 hours, four days per week for four weeks in the summer; and for 1.5 hours, twice weekly during the majority of the school year while school was in session (30 weeks). They learned about many aspects of science through gardening; technology through videography and web searches; engineering through garden design; and math was incorporated daily to calculate stipends. Mathematics was utilized in the gardening and composting units. Experiential learning was the basis for lessons. Changes/Problems: A new logic model was developed and submitted to the NIFA liaison, Steve Goggin, for review and submission to USDA. None of these changes modified the original scope of the grant.The Windham Middle School has faced challenges, including the need to unexpectedly accommodate over 400 grammar school children, as a result of a unanticipated renovation at their school. Despite this significant challenge for the school, they have continued to fully support the CYFAR program with only the availability of office space impacted by this change.Both Bridgeport and Windham have had difficulties maintaining enrollmentdue to some students being required to participate in after school homework assistance, some truancy and disciplinary issues, and some students have moved out of the school districts. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The Principal Investigator, two Co-Principal Investigators, andProject Evaluatorattended a two day professional development workshop offered by CYFAR, June 2012. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? CYFAR Annual reports are printed and distributed to local partners as well as community collaborators. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The CYFAR team has monthly meetings where Logic Model short-term and long-term outcomes are monitored. The focus for the next two years is two create a solid plan for the sustainability of the two sites.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Output: Involve local teens and adults in the development of an urban garden. Both CYFAR sites have engaged urban teens in gardening activities. In Bridgeport 26 teens have built, planted and maintained 25 raised garden-beds. Two 4-H clubs have been formed. This year the garden produced 1600 pounds of produce. The majority of produce was harvested and used by garden 4-H members and their families. Fairfield County Master Gardeners conducted workshops on garden pests, planting bulbs, correct watering techniques, and when to pick produce. Several Fairfield County Master Gardeners have been recruited and trained to be Garden Corp Volunteers. Healthy cooking classes were also conducted by the UConn SNAP Ed Educator and our local Food Corps volunteer. In Windham 64 teens have been introduced to basic concepts of gardening and formed the Healthy Hands 4-H Club. All youth have participated in nutrition and food preparation classes presented by an EFNEP educator. They have learned about healthy food choices, low cost methods to eat well and have participated in the preparation of nutritious and seasonal recipes. This included preparing much of the food that was served to the families at the “Teach It Forward” CYFAR Family Night.Teens learned about cooking and kitchen cleanliness to prevent cross contamination. With the help of volunteer culinary and nutrition experts, Cooking Matters teaches youth participants how to select nutritious and low-cost ingredients and prepare them in ways that provide the best nourishment possible to their families. Participants practiced fundamental lessons including knife skills, reading ingredient labels, cutting up a whole chicken, and making a healthy meal for a family of four on a $10 budget. Teens took home a bag of groceries after each class so they could practice the recipes taught that day. Output: An intergenerational teen and Adult Partnership Advisory Board will be established to provide advice throughout the process. Accomplishments: Advisory board members have been recruited and oriented individually. Promotional materials, including a brochure and table top displays have been developed. In Windham a CYFAR poster has been developed to highlight gardening, technology, workforce development and the 4-H Club. Some board members have offered to provide support to the teens. Output: Youth will collaborate with adults from the community who can help connect youth to community resources. CYFAR youth from Bridgeport, their parents and adult volunteers in collaboration with Barnum School conducted a “Clean the Garden Beds Day” in early April. Beds were prepared for planting and wood chips were distributed on paths. Our UConn SNAP Ed Educator, when teaching healthy cooking techniques, shared location of local food pantries. In Windham youth collaborated with the owner of ‘Doug’s Blood Elixir’ (Pepper Sauce Business) to grow peppers to be used in the preparation of hot sauce. In return, Doug met with the students periodically to share information on how to start a business, how to prepare food products to be marketed ‘Connecticut Grown’, and the concepts behind costs and profitability in business. Significant and long-term environmental impact: Youth have been exposed to the basics of gardening and studied composting in detail. Certified Master Gardener s taught students how to build a composter and make compost. In Windham teens taught the school food service staff at the school how to compost. Youth communicated with the staff and clarified the dos and don’ts of composting and they built separate compost bins for the food service staff. The waste generated by the food service staff who serves breakfasts and lunches will be decreased whenever school is in session due to use of the compost bins. It will decrease the amount of trash being generated, save money, and will generate compost for use to beautify the school grounds. Output: Field trips, meetings and attendance at meetings that impact policy related to urban gardening opportunities. CYFAR youth participated in different fieldtrips. Bridgeport youth visited the UConn 4-H Farm. At the farm, youth learned about Community Sustainable Agriculture, the role of agriculture in our society, were introduced to several farm animals, and had a hay ride and made ice cream. There were field trips, meetings and attendance at meetings that impact policy related to urban gardening opportunities. Windham youth visited the UConn EcoHouse Spring Valley Farm. At the farm, youth learned about the role of agriculture in our society, were introduced to several farm animals and had a hayride. Output: Youth will engage in discussions about political and social issues such as violence, health disparities, prisons, racism, and issues in schools. Accomplishments: CYFAR youth addressed socioeconomic issues such as hunger, water quality, and healthy lifestyles. Healthy lifestyles and eliminating hunger were two topics of this year’s curriculum. Bridgeport youth learned about GenrerationOn, an organization whose goal is to end hunger. They also participated at the World Food Day in October. Barnum 4-Hers made squash soup and developed a 4-H garden club display and over 300 families attended the World Food Day Fair at the school. Windham youth on the other hand, studied the importance of water and cultivation of crops. They learned how many people from third world countries struggle to acquire food and clean water. Youth learned about healthy lifestyles and the relationship between eating healthy foods and good health. Output: Individuals from local postsecondary schools will speak with youth about related careers and opportunities. Youth participated in several workshops, lectures, and career opportunities presented by professionals in different fields. Food Corps volunteers talked about careers in food services and horticulture. Cooking Matters instructors spoke about nutrition and related careers, and Master Gardeners talked about horticulture careers and the importance of volunteering. A business owner introduced youth to food products for profit to the market (pepper products business). Youth also had the opportunity to visit the UCONN main campus in Storrs and learn about becoming a college student.
Publications
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Progress 06/01/11 to 05/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project Summary. The goal of the 4-H Teen Urban Gardening Project is to counter the factors affecting at-risk neighborhoods in Bridgeport and Windham, Connecticut. This project is based on three short term and one long term goals. Short term goals: a) increase workforce readiness skills, b) increase knowledge about gardening, and c) increase technology skills. Long term goal: Increase community capacity to support positive youth development. This project works with school-age teens from 6th to 8th grade. In the second year of the grant (2011-2012), there were changes in sites, community partners, and staff, but none of these changes modified the original scope of the grant. Prior to implementing any changes, our CYFAR liaison and NIFA reviewed and approved the changes. In Bridgeport, our garden site was moved from Arctic Street to Barnum Elementary School. There are currently 17 teens participating. They are working towards becoming the first Barnum 4-H Garden Club. The New London site was moved from the Bennie Dover Middle School to Windham Middle School in Willimantic. In New London 13 teens participated from June to December 2011. Teens learned about gardening through hands on activities, which ranged from planting to transplanting as well as discussion of social and economic aspects of the food system. In Windham, there are currently seven students participating in the CYFAR 4-H program. They have been learning about gardening, cooking and food security activities. Local staff has been hired including a Site Coordinator and two Activity Teachers. Like gardening, computer technology and work force readiness will be integral parts of the learning process for the participants. APPROACH: CYFAR faculty and staff have developed data collection instruments and created guidelines to document students' involvement, participation, and achievement. Work force readiness will utilize a combination of written and observational data. Activity teachers will check students' attendance; they will also observe students' behavior and participation during meetings and other activities. Gardening and technology will administer pre and post tests to measure students' gains in knowledge. A stipend attached to students' punctuality, behavior and attitude is being used to document students' work force readiness. Students are also engaged in science and math activities. Through hands on activities, they have been calculating seed germination rates, the time it takes two different kinds of seeds to germinate, selecting the types of vegetables they should plant, based on the garden beds' characteristics, etc. To integrate technology, students will be learning how to create digital video and how to design web pages by hand coding languages such as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) and CSS (Cascade Style Sheets). These two languages, will give students the knowledge and skills to design their 4-H Club garden website and document their own gardening and technology experiences. PARTICIPANTS: CYFAR University of Connecticut Personnel: German Cutz -PI- Extension Educator. German provides CYFAR project's overall leadership, management, and supervision. Karen Filchak and Mary Ellen Welch Extension Educators, Family & Consumer Sciences, provide CYFAR Windham's project overall leadership, management, and supervision. Ede Valiquette, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development and German Cutz, Extension Educator (PI), Sustainable Families and Communities. Ede and German provide CYFAR's leadership in Bridgeport. Sharon Baksh, Ph.D. (Evaluator), Sharon is responsible for developing the evaluation plan and conducting data collection. Arthur Lerner, Community Expert -former community expert. Arthur provided leadership in identifying site garden, local partners, and subject matter content for the New London gardening project. Anique Wiggins served as Site Coordinator and Youth Teacher. Sally Milius, CYFAR Windham Site Coordinator. Sally has facilitated the partnership between Windham Middle School, local community members and the University of Connecticut. As Site Coordinator, Sally will assume leadership of the Windham site. Her duties include: Implement, monitor and evaluate grant; secure and maintain a garden site and storage area; and coordinate the acquisition of grant supplies, equipment, goods and services. Patricia Lazos and Sherie Gage - Activity Teachers. As Activity Teachers, they are part of the UConn CYFAR team. Their duties and responsibilities include: working directly with youth participants, teach or co-teach classes and activities, participate in project evaluation and project strategic planning, produce program (site) reports as needed, participate in CYFAR staff meetings as planned, work with program volunteers, and conduct monthly 4-H meetings. Alma Maya, a resident from Bridgeport, has been hired as Site Coordinator. She has started teaching 4-H activities at Barnum School. As Site Coordinator, Alma will assume leadership of the Bridgeport site. Sally and Alma will have similar Site Coordinator's duties and responsibilities. Consultant Kerry Karlson, Certified Master Gardener, will help with the planning, organizing, coordinating and managing of outside projects related to the Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) garden at the Barnum School in Bridgeport, CT. Additional tasks include but are not limited to: install fencing around garden; install decorative items around drainage area; locate and order outside classroom items (picnic tables, etc.); oversee site preparation and delivery of 10 x 12 storage building; organize all materials for volunteers' work day; coordinate purchasing, delivery and installment of 25 raised garden beds; procure seeds and gardening seedlings; install, maintain and harvest fruits of the garden. Joseph Banning, Technology Consultant. Joseph provides technical assistance with audio and video editing software: Community partners: Community partners were recruited from key stakeholder groups: Barnum Elementary School in Bridgeport; Windham Middle School in Willimantic; City of Bridgeport, Mayor's Office; Wholesome Wave Foundation, and City of Bridgeport, Department of Health. TARGET AUDIENCES: Former CYFAR 4-H Youth were recruited in Bridgeport and New London. Youth from the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School were recruited for the CYFAR New London team. Youth from CYFAR New London were predominantly of African or Hispanic descent, were 8th grade students expected to advance to high school at the end of the current school year. Current CYFAR participants in Windham were recruited from Windham Middle School. There are seven students participating in the CYFAR 4-H program. Students meet for one hour, twice weekly. English as a Second Language classes support the assimilation of youth into the community. School enrollment is about 950 students. Demographic is 64% Hispanics, 28% White, 6% Black, 1% Asian and 1% American Indian. Seventy-eight percent of students qualify for free/reduced meals, 23% of students are not fluent in English; Spanish is the secondary language for most of this population. In Bridgeport participants were recruited from Barnum Elementary School. There are currently 17 teens participating. In Bridgeport, our garden site was moved from Arctic Street to Barnum Elementary School. Barnum Elementary School is located on the East side of Bridgeport. The mission of the Barnum School is to create a healthy and safe environment where the total school community educates all students with the skills and knowledge needed to become literate, productive, and responsible adults and citizens. The school serves K-8th grades and has about 630 students. Nearly 100% of students qualify for free lunch. Demographic is 70% Hispanics, 27% Black, 2% Whites, 1% Asians and 1% others. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: A new logic model was developed and submitted to the NIFA liaison, Steve Goggin for review and submission to USDA. None of these changes modified the original scope of the grant.
Impacts
Output: Involve local teens and adults in the development of an urban garden; Accomplishments: Two garden sites, one at Windham Middle School in Willimantic and another at Barnum Elementary School in Bridgeport, have been secured. Before moving to Windham, fifteen teens were involved in urban gardening activities in New London and also at the Waterford Country School Educational Farm. Youth had the opportunity to join the garden and the farm crews. The contrast provided youth with access to an urban garden and a country farm environment. Youth had the opportunity to expand the urban garden and learned about growing food in limited spaces. In Windham, seven teens have been recruited and engaged in the basic concepts of gardening, cooking and food security activities. In Bridgeport, seventeen teens have been introduced to basic concepts of gardening and also to the necessary steps to become a formal 4-H Club. Teens have experimented seed germination, have talked about leadership, team work and how to become a formal 4-H Club. They are now preparing activities to start their garden in May. Output: An intergenerational teen and Adult Partnership Advisory Board will be established to provide advice throughout the process. Accomplishments: None. Output: Youth will collaborate with adults from the community who can help connect youth to community resources. Accomplishments: CYFAR in Bridgeport is coordinating with Wholesome Wave, a nonprofit organization increasing both access to and affordability of healthy, fresh locally grown food, to open farm stands run by CYFAR participants. In New London, 4-H leaders assisted with the development of a 4-H Club at Bennie Dover Middle School. Output: Field trips, meetings and attendance at meetings that impact policy related to urban gardening opportunities. Accomplishments: New London CYFAR participants visited FRESH farm, where they learned the progression from planting to harvesting produce. These field trips provided hands-on experiences in gardening and horticulture. Output: Youth will engage in discussions about political and social issues such as violence, health disparities, prisons, racism, and issues in schools. Accomplishments: Teens have been engaged in communication, leadership, team building, and public speaking discussions using media, readings, or essay writing. Sample topics include: food surveys, garden planning, scavenger hunts, poster production on food and nutrition, social awareness topics (political and social issues such as teen pregnancy, consumerism, violence, health disparities, prisons, racism, and issues in schools), and discussions related to consumerism after viewing Food, Inc. (film). Teens distributed food through the FRESH, New London (nonprofit organization whose gardening model framed CYFAR project). Output: Individuals from local postsecondary schools will speak with youth about related careers and opportunities. Accomplishments: New London's students traveled to Connecticut College to meet with students and incorporate exercise into healthy routine. They also had the opportunity to tour the campus and talk a little about becoming a college student.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 06/01/10 to 05/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Output: Involve local teens and adults in the development of an urban garden; Accomplishments: Two garden sites were identified, one at each site (New London and Bridgeport). Sites were cleaned by both adults and youth volunteers as well as CYFAR teen participants. A total of 30 volunteers contributing with more than 120 hours assisted in cleaning CYFAR garden sites. Twenty-four teens were involved in Urban Gardening Activities, 13 from New London and 11 from Bridgeport, Connecticut. Participants' age ranged from 13 to 14 years old. Output: Promote the knowledge and application of the food pyramid as a way to influence healthy eating habits; Accomplishments: Teens were engaged in a series of open discussions related to food production and consumption. Topics included: Food surveys, garden planning, and Food Inc. Teens distributed food through FRESH, New London (nonprofit organization whose gardening model framed CYFAR project). Output: An intergenerational teen and Adult Partnership Advisory Board will be established to provide advice throughout the process. Accomplishments: None. Output: Youth will collaborate with adults from the community who can help connect youth to community resources. Accomplishments: CYFAR is coordinating with Wholesome Wave, a nonprofit organization increasing both access to and affordability of healthy, fresh locally grown food, to open farm stands run by CYFAR participants. Output: Field trips, meetings and attendance at meetings that impact policy related to urban gardening opportunities. Accomplishments: New London CYFAR participants have been visiting FRESH farm, where they have learned from planting to harvesting produce. These field trips have provided hands-on experiences in gardening and horticulture. Output: Youth will engage in discussions about political and social issues such as violence, health disparities, prisons, racism, and issues in schools. Accomplishments: Teens have been engaged in communication, leadership, team building, and public speaking discussions using media, readings, or essay writing. Sample topics include: Rise and Shine, String Shapes, Changes Lyrics, Story of Stuff, Supersize Me, and Woman from Mars. Output: Individuals from local postsecondary schools will speak with youth about related careers and opportunities. Accomplishments: None PARTICIPANTS: CYFAR University of Connecticut Personnel Cathleen T. Love (Former PI), Professor of Extension. Cathy provided CYFAR project's overall leadership, management, and supervision. Anique Wiggins, Cooperative Extension System, CYFAR Site Coordinator, New London. Anique worked directly with CYFAR participants from recruiting to cleaning and preparing the garden site to gardening and distributing the produce. Christine Santos, Cooperative Extension System, CYFAR Site Coordinator, Bridgeport. Christine worked directly with CYFAR participants from recruiting to cleaning and preparing the garden site to gardening and distributing the produce. Karen Filchak and Mary Ellen Welch, Extension Educators,Family & Consumer Sciences. Karen and Mary provided CYFAR's leadership in New London. Their responsibilities included, but were not limited to identifying community partners, establishing agreements with local partners, program planning and development, financial management, and staff hiring and supervision. Ede Valiquette, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development and German Cutz Extension Educator (PI), Sustainable Families and Communities. Ede and German provided CYFAR's leadership in Bridgeport. Their responsibilities included, but were not limited to identifying community partners, establishing agreements with local partners, program planning and development, financial management, and staff hiring and supervision. Lisa Kraimer-Rickaby (Evaluator), Adjunct Faculty, Department of Family Studies University of Connecticut. Lisa was responsible for developing evaluation plan and conducting data collection. She analyzed data collected and submitted an evaluation report of first year. CONSULTANTS Diane Athanas, Organic Garden Consultant. Diana provided technical assistance in the implementation of community gardens. Arthur Lerner, Community Expert. Arthur provided leardership in identifying site garden, local partners, and subject matter content for the New London gardening project. He also facilitated the establishment of the garden by recruiting youth and adult volunteers. Robert Halsted, Community Expert. Robert provided leardership in identifying site garden and recruiting youth and adult volunteers. He was also very instrumental in the construction of garden beds, fence, and storage room for gardening tools. COMMUNITY PARTNERS Community partners were recruited from key stakeholder groups: City of Bridgeport, Mayor's Office, Wolesome Wave Foundation: A nonprofit organization dedicated to nourishing neighborhoods across America by increasing access to and affordability of healthy, fresh locally grown food, Bridgeport Land Trust: It's purpose is land conservation, environmental protection and community gardening for residents and children, Public Allies, AmeriCorps: Their mission is to advance new leadership to strengthen communities, nonprofits and civic participation, City of Bridgeport, Department of Health. TARGET AUDIENCES: CYFAR 4-H Youth were recruited in New London and Bridgeport. In New London from Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School for the CYFAR New London team. Youth from CYFAR New London are predominantly of African or Hispanic decent, are 8th grade students expected to advance to high school at the end of the current school year, 100% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch and they are receptive to learning about Food Security and Sustainability. Youth in Bridgeport were recruited from Achievement First Bridgeport Academy Charter School. The mission of the school is to close the achievement gap of low income students in inner cities. School enrollment is 320 students from grades 5th - 8th. Demographic of school is 98% African American or Hispanic and 70% of its students qualify for free and reduced lunch. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: A new logic model was developed and submitted to NIFA liason, Steve Goggin for review and submission to USDA.
Impacts
1.CYFAR 4-H Urban project has identified and established two garden sites: One in New London and another in Bridgeport where a total of 24 youth were engaged in urban gardening. 2.Community partners were recruited and a working relationship was established with the following organizations: Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, FRESH (Food, Resources, Education, Security, and Health) in New London, Achievement First Academy Charter School, City of Bridgeport, in Bridgeport. 3.Garden sites have been used as laboratories where teens have been exposed to two key components: Urban gardening and 4-H Youth Development.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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