Progress 08/01/24 to 07/31/25
Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, the project focused on several key audiences whose engagement directly supports the program's objectives of building a skilled, diverse agricultural and environmental science workforce. The primary audience consisted of community college students enrolled in the Environmental Science: Sustainable Urban Agriculture program at LaGuardia Community College. Many of these students are first-generation college-goers and come from metropolitan areas with limited access to hands-on agricultural experiences. They were targeted because experiential learning, paid internships, and career development opportunities are critical for improving retention, academic success, and readiness to transfer into four-year programs or enter the agricultural workforce. Program data demonstrate the impact of these efforts: enrollment grew by 489% from 2022 to Spring 2025, and internship participants achieved a 92% retention rate with two-thirds improving their GPAs. A second major audience was K-12 students and educators from regional schools, including Dwight Morrow High School and John Bowne High School, who were engaged through career fairs and farm-based workshops. These groups were targeted to raise awareness of agricultural and environmental science career pathways among students who may not otherwise consider these fields. Surveys following outreach events showed that 84% of high school participants gained a good or excellent understanding of LaGuardia's environmental programs, and 62% expressed interest in USDA-aligned scholarships, internships, or job opportunities. The project also engaged local community members and families through large-scale outreach events such as Earth Day 2025, Environmental Science Demonstration Day, and nutrition fairs, collectively reaching more than 2,200 individuals. These audiences were targeted to enhance public understanding of sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food systems through interactive demonstrations and student-led tours of the urban farm. Event evaluations indicated that 71% of attendees found the events "very informative and engaging," and many reported increased interest in adopting sustainable practices. A fourth audience included industry and research partners, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the Newtown Creek Alliance, USDA offices who collaborated on student internships, research projects, and professional networking. These organizations were targeted because they provide the technical expertise, professional mentoring, and practical contexts needed to prepare students for careers in USDA mission-critical areas. In addition, the project engaged with a network of NYC-based urban agriculture agencies that play a pivotal role in shaping the city's food system and offering student learning opportunities. Collaborators included GrowNYC, GreenThumb, NYC Parks' Urban Agriculture program, Queens Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Grange, and Newtown Creek Alliance. These agencies were targeted for their ability to provide field sites, technical training, and mentorship in sustainable urban agriculture, expanding the scope of student exposure to real-world agricultural practices. Finally, digital audiences were reached through social media campaigns and virtual programming, with more than 25,000 new views and 835 interactions. Online engagement allowed the program to reach individuals unable to attend in person, expanding awareness of environmental science programs, research findings, and USDA career pathways. By focusing on these audiences, the project ensured that its efforts delivered measurable benefits: improving academic outcomes for college students, inspiring interest in agricultural careers among K-12 learners, strengthening public understanding of sustainable agriculture, and building partnerships that provide pathways into USDA-aligned careers. Changes/Problems:Major Changes/Problems in Approach During the reporting period, the primary change was a temporary pause in USDA funding through the ASAP disbursement process, which limited our ability to fully expend the allocated funds within the fiscal year. As a result, the remainder of the funds in planned expenditures for experiential learning activities, including domestic, out-of-state, and study-abroad internships, were delayed. These funds will now be carried forward to the next reporting period to support an expanded round of internships, ensuring no loss in project impact.Another change during the reporting period was in Key Personnel. Due to retirement, Nava Lerer was replaced by Emad Nassar. In addition, Holly Porter Morgan transitioned to another university and was replaced by Chelsea Encababian as Key Personnel. Despite this delay, all project goals for the four-year grant period were met or exceeded across all categories. Enrollment in the Environmental Science: Sustainable Urban Agriculture program grew from 9 students in 2022 to 53 students in Spring 2025, representing a 489% increase. Student retention and success rates remained strong, with 92% of interns returning for subsequent semesters and 66% demonstrating GPA improvements. Outreach and engagement activities reached more than 2,200 community members through in-person events, while digital dissemination extended the project's reach to 25,000 additional participants. The project surpassed its targets in internships completed, student training delivered, and community engagement achieved. A continuing challenge identified during this period was the need to broaden the scope of student experiential opportunities to include rural and large-scale agricultural settings. While the program has excelled in providing urban agriculture and conservation-focused experiences, students have expressed a desire for exposure to the full range of U.S. agricultural systems, including production-scale farms, rural economies, and commodity markets. These experiences are critical for understanding how agricultural practices vary across different geographies, climates, and economic contexts, and for preparing students to contribute to USDA mission areas such as food security,and agricultural innovation. In response, the next phase of internships funded by the carry-forward amount will focus on providing students with immersive experiences in rural and large-scale agricultural operations. Planned placements include study-abroad programs with international partners implementing climate-smart agriculture and domestic internships with producers managing commercial-scale operations. These opportunities will deepen students' understanding of sustainable production, market dynamics, and the economic drivers of agriculture, equipping them to engage more effectively in USDA-aligned careers. By pairing these placements with reflective pre- and post-program learning sessions, we aim to maximize the value of each experience and connect it directly to academic and career goals. The temporary delay in funding did not require any changes to the approved Data Management Plan, research schedule, or protocols involving human subjects, animals, or biohazards. Project goals, deliverables, and anticipated outcomes remain unchanged, with all activities on track for completion within the grant's performance period. No deviations from ethical or regulatory guidelines occurred during the reporting period. Looking ahead, the unspent funds will be strategically invested to provide added value by addressing the identified challenge of limited exposure to diverse agricultural contexts. By enabling students to gain firsthand experience in rural and large-scale agriculture, we will ensure that participants graduate with a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the U.S. agricultural system, better preparing them to address future challenges in food production, environmental stewardship, and economic development. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project advanced workforce readiness in agriculture and environmental science through hands-on training, paid internships, mentoring, and direct engagement with USDA professionals. Students gained practical competencies, leadership experience, and confidence in career pathways while contributing to applied research and outreach. Experiential Training and Applied Research Urban Farm management: Four paid crew members operated LaGuardia's Urban Farm, maintaining 21 raised beds, a gothic high tunnel, composting, and rainwater harvesting systems. Students gained practical expertise in crop planning, soil management, integrated pest control, and season extension. From March to May, 400 lbs. of produce were harvested and donated to LaGuardia's food pantry. Internships: 23 students completed USDA-funded or partner internships. 66.7% improved their GPA, maintaining an average 3.45, and 92.3% returned the next semester, outperforming the 78.9% retention rate of non-participants. Student reflections: "The Vegetable Production Class has been a great experience. It's hard work that doesn't feel like work...learning through fun in a class experience." - Urban Ag. student, Class of 2026.Being hands-on helps me learn and retain the knowledge...LaGuardia is the only program offering this." - Urban Ag. student, Class of 2026. Water Quality Project: Students analyzed NYC waterways using spectrophotometry to test six metals and two nutrients, learning to apply EPA standards. Three fellows presented their findings at the Undergraduate Research Day. "Through this process, I learned how to be more confident when discussing science and discovered a genuine passion for sharing my findings." Newtown Creek Estuary Study: Students developed innovative floating wetlands using recycled materials to support native salt marsh grass, Spartina, benefiting local estuarine ecosystems. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Project: A student fellow conducted ecological studies on invasive Phragmites australis, developing hypotheses on salt tolerance and presenting research at the Undergraduate Research Conference. Climate Reality Project: Members completed campus-wide waste audits, recovering 60 recyclable items from general trash bins, and practiced composting techniques at LaGuardia's farm. Career Preparation and Mentorship Career development workshops: Six USDA-focused sessions, including résumé writing and interview preparation, engaged 212 participants. Transfer and scholarship guidance: Two transfer scholarship workshops and a virtual internship webinar improved confidence in 2+2 pathways; 66% of participants reported greater readiness to transfer to 4 year colleges of agriculture such as Cornell CALS, SUNY Cobleskill, Rutgers and SUNY ESF. Professional mentorship: Students received coaching on federal applications, research design, and scholarship opportunities, increasing their competitiveness for USDA internships. Outreach and Leadership Development • 24 outreach events reached 2,262 people, training students in leadership and public engagement. Earth Day 2025: 450 participants joined student-led farm tours and sustainability demonstrations. Urban Farm Opening Ceremony: 165 attendees learned about composting and pollinator conservation. High school career fairs: 552 students engaged at Dwight Morrow and John Bowne High Schools; surveys found 71% rated the events "very informative and engaging," with 84% gaining a strong understanding of LaGuardia's offerings. Participation in community programs such as Queens Botanical Garden, Rockaway RISE, and SunWorks Conference built professional communication and networking skills. Professional Networking and Conferences Conferences and extension training: Ten students participated in MANRRS and NY Agricultural Society events, strengthening technical knowledge and networks. Field training with partners: Rutgers Farm Day tours and Cornell Cooperative Extension programs deepened students' understanding of agricultural research and extension. Measured Results and Impact Enrollment Growth: Program enrollment expanded from 9 students in 2022 to 53 in Spring 2025 (489% growth). Retention and Academic Success: Internship participants achieved a 92.3% retention rate and two-thirds improved their GPA, demonstrating the impact of experiential learning. Career Awareness: Surveys revealed 62% interest in USDA scholarships, 34% in internships, and 21% in USDA-related employment. Community Engagement: Outreach events engaged 2,262 individuals, while digital campaigns reached 25,000 viewers and generated 835 interactions, expanding awareness of agricultural pathways. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?This project's results were disseminated broadly through research conferences, outreach events, digital campaigns, and partnerships designed to engage communities that may not traditionally have access to scientific research. Efforts emphasized translating technical findings into accessible formats to build understanding of agriculture and environmental science, and to inspire interest in STEM careers. Undergraduate Research Dissemination The LaGuardia Undergraduate Research Conference, held on May 21, 2025, featured 15 Environmental Science projects presented by students to an audience of peers, faculty, and community stakeholders. Projects ranged from environmental stewardship and outreach at the Newtown Creek Alliance and urban maritime grassland restoration to pollinator activity in rooftop versus land-based gardens, water quality assessments, and PFAS contamination in terrapin food chains. Posters included hands-on, inquiry-driven work like "Environmental Stewardship and Educational Outreach at Newtown Creek Alliance," which demonstrated the effectiveness of combining artistic illustrations, direct exposure to ecosystems, and guided tours to enhance public understanding. Other projects highlighted restoration techniques for critically imperiled maritime grasslands, ecological interactions shaping pollinator behavior, and the effects of congestion pricing on urban air quality. One student presenter shared: "Creating and presenting a poster...challenged me to dive deeper into my project and explain it clearly to others. It made me feel more connected to environmental science and motivated me to continue exploring the field." On-Campus and Community Events Environmental Science Demonstration Day engaged 73 participants through interactive soil, plant, and animal science stations. Students led demonstrations, helping visitors explore concepts such as plant physiology and animal behavior through hands-on experiments. The Urban Farm Opening Ceremony welcomed 165 attendees to learn about sustainable crop production, pollinator conservation, and composting systems maintained by students on LaGuardia's 21-bed urban farm. Earth Day 2025 drew 450 participants, offering farm tours, sustainability workshops, and interactive research exhibits. Nutrition and Food Fairs connected farm-grown produce to discussions on food systems and health, serving 120 community members. K-12 and Public Outreach Career fairs at NY Sunworks and John Bowne High School reached 552 students, many of whom had limited exposure to environmental sciences. Surveys showed 71% found the events "very informative and engaging," and 84% gained a "good or excellent" understanding of LaGuardia's programs. Workshops and guided farm tours emphasized experiential learning. One participant commented, "It was memorable because I got to see how animals react to different environments and learn why they behave that way." Queens Botanical Garden, Rockaway RISE, and Woodside Queens Festival events engaged 160 additional participants, bringing research on pollinators, composting, and food systems into local communities. Digital Dissemination Social media campaigns expanded reach to audiences unable to attend in person, achieving 25,000 new views, 835 interactions, and 64 new followers. Posts highlighted research progress, USDA career pathways, and event highlights, increasing public awareness and student recruitment. Targeted email campaigns and digital flyers promoted research activities and outreach events, engaging hundreds more online. Engagement Through Partnerships Collaborations with Rutgers University, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and USDA professionals expanded the audience for student research. Farm Day tours at Rutgers featured student-led discussions on soil and crop management, and a USDA Career Panel with experts from the Foreign Agricultural Service, Forest Service, and Food and Nutrition Service reached 77 participants, highlighting career pathways connected to research outcomes. The Newtown Creek Alliance incorporated student-designed floating wetland structures into their estuarine restoration program, disseminating findings to local stakeholders and demonstrating practical environmental applications. As part of the Climate Reality Project, students conducted campus waste audits, recovering over 60 recyclable items from general trash bins and presenting results to LaGuardia's Sustainability Council. Measurable Dissemination Outcomes In-person engagement: 2,262 individuals reached through outreach events. Digital reach: 25,000 new views and 835 interactions via online campaigns. Knowledge gains: 91% of survey respondents reported improved understanding of scholarships and internships; 84% gained "good or excellent" knowledge of LaGuardia's environmental science programs. Career awareness: 62% expressed interest in USDA scholarships, 34% in internships, and 21% in employment. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The extension of project funds will be dedicated to expanding student access to study-abroad programs and in-state and out-of-state internships in agriculture. These opportunities will remove financial barriers that typically prevent community college students from participating in immersive learning experiences, giving them access to agricultural systems, technologies, and policies beyond their local environment. Students who participate in these internships will gain firsthand exposure to diverse production methods, market dynamics, and conservation practices that are shaping the future of agriculture. By embedding students in real-world environments, these experiences strengthen career readiness and build a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of food systems, trade as well as invasive pest manangement stratergies. Research consistently shows that participation in high-impact, immersive internships results in stronger academic persistence, improved transfer rates, and higher rates of entry into mission-critical workforce sectors. Based on prior program data, we anticipate that at least 80% of participating students will demonstrate increased technical skills, and 70% will report a stronger commitment to careers in agriculture and environmental science. The planned activities for the next reporting period include: Securing partnerships with host organizations that specialize in sustainable agriculture, conservation, food safety, and agricultural markets to provide 10-15 funded internship and study-abroad placements. Implementing a pre- and post-internship assessment system to track measurable growth in technical competencies, professional networking, and career confidence. Supporting students with travel costs, housing stipends, and placement fees to ensure equitable access to off-campus learning opportunities. Gathering data on outcomes such as GPA changes, retention rates, and the number of students transferring to four-year programs after completing these experiences. Hosting a capstone showcase where returning interns will present their findings and share how these experiences have shaped their academic and career goals. These internships are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to a resilient and innovative agricultural workforce. Students will engage in projects that model economically viable farming practices, explore strategies for adapting to changing climate conditions, and experience agricultural trade and food safety systems in action. Many will work alongside producers, conservationists, and researchers to develop solutions to challenges such as soil health, water management, and crop productivity. By the end of the reporting period, we expect to document: 10-15 students completing internships or study-abroad programs, at least 80% demonstrating measurable gains in technical knowledge and practical skills, a minimum 15% increase in professional network connections (as tracked through post-program surveys), and improved retention rates among internship participants, replicating the 92% persistence seen in our prior cohort. Beyond the direct skill-building, students return with broader perspectives on the role of agriculture in local and global economies, a stronger understanding of sustainable production, and renewed motivation to complete their degrees. These immersive experiences not only prepare students for USDA-aligned careers but also strengthen the long-term pipeline of skilled professionals ready to address food security, environmental stewardship, and agricultural innovation.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The accomplishments below represent the three major goals of the grant which include: 1. Building F&A Career Path. 2. Strengthening and articulating F&A curriculum 3. Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities. Issues Addressed The project addresses the need for a skilled workforce in agriculture and environmental science by providing urban students with applied training, academic support, and direct connections to career opportunities. Access to hands-on agricultural experience is limited in metropolitan areas, creating barriers to workforce readiness. This program bridges that gap through experiential learning, internships, and outreach. Major Activities Completed Applied Training, Experiential Learning and New Curriculum Development Four paid farm crew interns who managed LaGuardia's new Urban Farm - La Finca Florecita. This farm was paid for using a funding from an anonymous donor. The farm serves as a living laboratory for all the key courses in Sustainable Urban Agriculture, such as Sustainable Vegetable Production, Soil Science and Plant Science. Farm crew interns maintain the 21 raised beds, a gothic high tunnel, a composting system, and a rainwater harvesting system. Students implemented crop rotation, soil management, and integrated pest control, producing food used in educational programs and for local distribution. Internships and Workforce Preparation 23 students were placed in USDA and partner internships in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. Internship positions included USDA Forest Services, USDA APHIS and USDA Rural Services 78% of interns reported greater confidence in pursuing agricultural and environmental science careers in a post-survey. Students who participated in Spring 2024 internships showed a 92.3% return rate for the following term, compared to 78.9% in the control group. Two-thirds (66.7%) of interns improved their GPA after the internship, maintaining an average GPA of 3.45, while the control group's GPA declined from 3.49 to 3.21 Academic Support and Retention We conducted a total of 43 tutoring sessions in Spring 2025; eight tutors and student ambassadors supported academic persistence and GPA improvement. Enrollment in the Environmental Science: Sustainable Urban Agriculture track grew from 9 students in 2022 to 53 students in Spring 2025, a 489% increase over three years Full-time Environmental Science who committed to tutoring and other interventions thanks to this funding, maintained an average GPA of 2.97 in Spring 2025 which is 1.2 points higher than the overall college GPA for Spring 2025. Career Development and Guidance We hosted 6 USDA career workshops, 2 transfer scholarship workshops, and 1 virtual internship webinar, connecting 212 participants with USDA professionals, including the Foreign Agricultural Service, Forest Service, and Food and Nutrition Service. We conducted federal résumé and interview preparation sessions that improved student competitiveness for USDA internships which were very successful. Community Engagement and Outreach Organized 24 outreach events, reaching 2,262 individuals in person. Earth Day 2025: 450 participants, featuring sustainable agriculture demonstrations and farm tours. Urban Farm Opening Ceremony: 165 attendees, showcasing new farm infrastructure and student-led workshops. High school career fairs: 552 students engaged at Dwight Morrow High School and John Bowne High School. Participation in local festivals and conferences, including Queens Botanical Garden, Rockaway RISE, SunWorks Conference, and Woodside Queens Festival, reaching over 220 attendees. Digital Engagement and Recruitment Social media outreach generated 25,000 new views, 835 interactions, and 64 new followers, significantly expanding program reach and engagement. Professional Networking and Leadership Supported 10 students in attending agricultural and environmental conferences, including MANRRS and the NY Agricultural Society, enhancing professional skills and industry connections. Data Collected and Results Enrollment Trends: Enrollment rose by 489%, from 9 students in Spring 2022 to 53 in Spring 2025. Internship Outcomes: 23 students participated in paid experiential learning; 78% reported increased confidence in their career pathways. Tutoring Impact: 43 tutoring sessions supported GPA improvement, with full-time students maintaining an average 2.97 GPA. Community Reach: 2,262 individuals engaged through outreach; digital campaigns reached an additional 25,000 users. Event Participation: The program's largest engagement, Earth Day 2025, reached 450 attendees, while targeted high school outreach engaged 552 students, increasing awareness of agriculture-related careers. Spring 2024 internship participants had a 92.3% return rate and 66.7% improved their GPA, maintaining a 3.45 average compared to a drop from 3.49 to 3.21 in the control group. Outcomes and Impact Practical Skill Development: Students gained experience in soil science, crop management, composting, and resource conservation, translating academic learning into real-world application. Workforce Readiness: Internships and workshops built professional competencies aligned with USDA mission-critical fields, preparing students for transfer and employment. Academic Success: Sustained GPA and increased retention rates demonstrated the effectiveness of integrated tutoring and mentorship. Community Education: Outreach activities and public events enhanced understanding of sustainable food systems and environmental stewardship. Institutional Strengthening: Expanded infrastructure and programming at LaGuardia Urban Farm created additional capacity for hands-on training, career preparation, and public engagement.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Schroeder, A., Radhakrishnan, P., Wenstrup, T. 2025. Environmental Stewardship and Educational Outreach at Newtown Creek Alliance. LaGuardia Undergraduate Research Conference, Long Island City NY.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Begley,B. 2025. Exploring methods for restoring an urban maritime grassland from seed.LaGuardia Undergraduate Research Conference, Long Island City NY.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Laxme,S., Radhakrishnan, P., 2025. Pollinator Visitation and Plant Physiology: Rooftop Versus Land-Based Gardens. LaGuardia Undergraduate Research Conference, Long Island City NY.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Kane, A., Radhakrishnan, P., Suchlit, B. 2025. Supporting Urban Restoration through Hands-on Ecological Stewardship. LaGuardia Undergraduate Research Conference, Long Island City NY.
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Progress 08/01/21 to 07/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audience for Year One of Project SEMBRAR included high school students from our 21 College Now High School partners, newly enrollled students at LaGuardia (47%of which are hispanic, 2021), and targeted populations of Environemntal Science and Food Science students. Changes/Problems:The one major change to of the project was in Goal 3, we had to turn the 6-week internship into a 3-week internship with similar overall hours. Conducted the 3-week internship: The internship time changed from 6-weeks originally proposed in the grant to 3 weeks as the 6-week time was unrealistic. Many students worked jobs and had summer classes that they needed to be engaged in. Hence, we changed the period to 3 weeks, but the number of hours were the same as we increased the length of day when students were at the community partners. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The following were the worshops and events this project provided: Career and workforce events.Within this reporting period, we accomplished the following events which directly addresses career and workforce information with the fields of food and agriculture. USDA Career Panel: 2/2/2021. We had 80 participants join us online. We had 50 students take the panel survey who were Environmental Science and Nutrition and Culinary Management majors. We had a Climate policy analyst from the DEC, Research entomologist from USDA APHIS, an urban black farmer, a Soil scientist from USDA NRCS, and the Director of the NYC Soil and Water conservation district serve as panelists at the event. Spring Fest on the Plaza 2021. 4/6/2021. We set up a SEMBRAR table at Spring Fest there were over 500 students that attended the event. The table had games, pollinator seed giveaways and seedling giveaways with a sustainable urban agriculture focus. NYC Parks - Raptor fest. We had three First Year Seminar classes - 30 students experience the thrill of viewing New York's premier predatorslive and up close. We were joined by NYC Parks at the Raptor Fest, hosted by the Urban Park Rangers. This event showcased many birds of prey,also known as raptors, that are found throughout New York City and beyond, including eagles, falcons, owls, hawks, and more. Food Fair: 10/26/2022. A food fair event which drew a crowd of more than 300 students from across the campus. The SEMBRAR table at the event drew 80 students who participated in the identify a career and win a prize. There were 2 surveys conducted at these events with 78 respondents in total. 82% of students scored that they were "very satisfied" by the career panel event. 60% of the respondents scored that the career panel was "very helpful" in deciding on a major. 78% said that they were "very satisfied" with the session content. 51.8% said that they were interested in the Environmental Science program. 78.6% said that they would be interested in the summer paid internship program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? As part of this grant the followowing articulations were signed and adverstised on the college website: Articulation agreements signed.Since, Fall I 2021, we have articulated the Environmental Science program and the Sustainable Urban Agriculture track for seamless transfer to Queens College and Lehman College for B.S. in Environmental Science and to Brooklyn College for B.S. in Urban Sustainability. We are currently in conversation with Rutgers, SUNY Cobleskill and Brooklyn College for articulation agreements with the new Animal Science option which will most likely be offered in Fall 2023. We are in the stage of finalizing articulation agreements and then passing all curricular materials through the departmental and college senate. After which it must be approved by NY state to include in our course catalog. Brochures Two new brochures were made in collaboration with the advertising and marketing department. Images for the brochure were obtained and a 2-year degree map was made. Website A SEMBRAR website was made to house all activities, events, recruitment, and experiential learning. The outcomes of the experiential learning were documented by 2 film students in the form of a 21 min documentary, and more than 700 pictures. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As part of the next reporting period, we have 4 career and planning events on calendar for the next academic year. The Animal Sciences track is on route to moving through curriculum at CUNY. Finally we will complete this summers SELP program. Thereby completing the next years goals.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Evidence of Impact: The main goal of Project SEMBRAR is to sustain and grow the next generation of Urban STEM agricultural leaders. In year one of Project SEMBRAR, we conducted outreach to 21 College Now high schools, created new advertising in the form of brochures and websites which were circulated to the school community, completed the creation and enrollment (15 new students this semester) of the new Sustainable Urban Agriculture Program. Wearticulated this program with 3 four-year colleges, conducted career panel and LatinX events to advertise F&A and USDA careers and completed year one of a paid summer experiential learning program with numerous community-partners, there by engaging with > 800 students from high-schools and currently enrolled students at LaGuardia, 43% of whom are LatinX. Overall year one of Project SEMBRAR has been a wonderful success and goals are currently being executed for Year 2 of the project. 1. Building F&A Career Path. Major activities completed / experiments conducted:The activities conducted were creating, facilitating, and executing career and workforce events (4 for the academic year). Creating and disseminating 2 new brochures and a website for Sustainable Urban Agriculture Program. Created, delivered and analyzed data from two surveys that were conducted during the Career and workforce events. Data collected: Enrollment Datafrom our Enrollment Office and Office of Institutional Research and Assessment has shown an increase in enrollment in the A.S. in Environmental Science degree students from 2020-2021 by 21.9% (2020 = 82; 2021 = 100) in this first reporting year. We had a minor decrease in Hispanic student enrollment from 2020 (47%) to 2021(42%). However, in the last three semesters (since we were awarded the grant in summer 2021), we have had 15 new students enrolled in the Sustainable Urban Agriculture track (percentage increase of 1400%). Brochures: Two new brochures were made in collaboration with the advertising and marketing department. Images for the brochure were obtained and a 2-year degree map was made. Summary statistics and discussion of results: Overall >200 students were served within this major task alone. Enrollment increased in the ES major and in the SUA track significantly despite national decrease in enrollment at 2-year colleges. All key outcomes were met in this first year of the grant. 2. Strengthening and articulating F&A curriculum. Major activities completed / experiments conducted:We completed our curriculum design and now offer a fully operational Sustainable Urban Agriculture track within the Environmental Science major with 15 new students. We have articulated the Environmental Science program and the Sustainable Urban Agriculture track for seamless transfer to Queens College and Lehman College for B.S. in Environmental Science and to Brooklyn College for B.S. in Urban Sustainability. These two outcomes fulfill major Task 2: Strengthening and articulating F&A curriculum. Data collected: We first conducted a survey with more than 200 respondents to ensure that there was an interest in the College community for an Animal Science option. Click here for survey results. Tracks Offered: (1) Sustainable Urban Agriculture track: As part of this grant for year 1, We have a fully established Sustainable Urban Agriculture track in the Environmental Science A.S. Program. (2) Wildlife Science now called Animal Science track.Articulation agreements signed.Since, Fall I 2021, we have articulated three 4-year schools. Summary statistics and discussion of results: As seen from our data above, we have completed the curriculum design and open enrollment has now begun for the Sustainable Urban Agriculture track with 15 new students in the very first semester of the track being open for enrollment. All key outcomes of the grant for year one. 3. Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities. Project SEMBRAR had great success in recruiting (we had over 70applicants) 15 students across LaGuardia to participate in a 3-week paid internship program with our community partners such as Oko farms (hydroponics and aquaponics), Jess Turner (soil science, composting and plant IDs), Connected Chef (food justice and food sovereignty), Red Hook Community farms (crop rotation, urban farming), El Sol Brillante (Bokashi composting and plant IDs), Kingsland Wildflowers and Newtown Creek Alliance (Urban ecology, green infrastructure, spectroscopic analysis of soil quality) and LaGuardia Community College Nutrition and Culinary Management Program - for a final cook-off featuring locally sourced, farmed vegetables and fruit. Major activities completed / experiments conducted: Events which showcased the SELP program:There were three events (discussed in goal 1) which enabled the Program Directors to get solicit and advertise the program. Application with Process:An application was created which listed the application criteria and the application process. Students were required to submit a 500-word essay as to why they would be a good fit with the program. We had 70 applicants with 48 students making all the criteria. Collected Applications and created a Panel:We then created a panel of 3 reviewers who went through all applications and scored the letters and other criteria of eligibility. We shortlisted 20 students. Awardees notified: We wrote out congratulatory letters to all students and requested that they sign a letter of commitment to the program. We then shortlisted 15 candidates based on their summer availabilities. Weekly plans scheduled:All weekly lesson plans were written up in collaboration with community partners and submitted to RFCUNY. Collected paperwork for all SELP partners:There were several pieces of paperwork that were collected from the community partners and submitted to RFCUNY to onboard all the community partners and paperwork submitted to get them paid. Conducted the 3-week internship:The internship time changed from 6-weeks originally proposed in the grant to 3 weeks as the 6-week time was unrealistic. Many students worked jobs and had summer classes that they needed to be engaged in. Hence, we changed the period to 3 weeks, but the number of hours were the same as we increased the length of day when students were at the community partners. Paid vendors (community partners and students) Data collected: Exit Surveys:There was an exit survey conducted with all participants of the SELP project. The following are the survey results: 83% of participants rated being "very satisfied" with the program. 78% of students rated the program as being "very helpful" in helping with their future careers and potential jobs. 82% of students selected the "most satisfied" category for planning and logistics. The final closing cook off and Connected chef were rated as the highest in terms of content and hands on learning. 80% of students said that they were satisfied with the overall session content. Reflections of student learning using Open pedagogy:Students submitted reflections of their learning every week. Photos and images and Documentary: 2 film and photography students created a repository of images from the program and a short 20 min documentary featuring the main parts of the program and student interviews. Summary statistics and discussion of results:Overall the SELP program was a great success. Students were very engaged and the overall survey results showed that students learned a great deal about topics such as food justice and sovereignty, urban agriculture, crop rotation, site selection, plant identification, hydroponics, aquaponics, native pollinators, green infrastructure, and soil quality testing to name a few. All key outcomes of the grant for year one - were met.
Publications
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