At Selma High School, students are getting hands-on experience in farming. They’re planting grape vines that will bear fruit next year. Junior Hannah Fransen shared her excitement: “It makes school more interesting. We get to have fun out here on the farm.”
The students are part of the ornamental horticulture and agriscience programs. According to Ag Teacher Grace Mendes, the goal is simple: help students learn about farming, where their food comes from, and gain job skills. “We want them to know how things grow and to never go hungry,” she said.
The students do it all—pruning, picking, washing, and packing the produce. Almost everything they grow finds its way onto their school meals. Mendes emphasizes the importance of showing students the complete process, from planting to eating.
Hannah feels a sense of pride in her work. “I’ll drive by and think, ‘I did that. That was me,'” she said.
The ag department is also seeking a grant to create a small storefront to sell their produce to the community. This could connect the students even more with their local area while promoting healthy eating.
Insights and Trends
In recent years, there’s been a push for educational programs that blend classroom learning with real-world skills. A study from the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium found that hands-on programs help students retain information better and spark interest in careers like agriculture.
Social media trends show a growing interest in sustainable farming and local foods, highlighted by hashtags like #FarmToTable. This movement resonates particularly with younger generations who want to know where their food comes from.
Such programs at schools like Selma High are vital. They not only educate students but also foster a connection to their community and the environment.
For more information on educational programs that promote agricultural skills, check the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s educational resources here.
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