The 11-week program aims to engage students in the various aspects of hydroponic gardening and lessons on food insecurity, nutrition, urban farming, community development, and entrepreneurship.
Students and staff at the garden across the street from Carver High School at The Bethune Empowerment Center.
Every Monday during Carver High School’s B Week at 1 p.m., students are in a class session for 90 minutes, learning about hydroponics and more, thanks to a one-of-a-kind initiative, The Young Agri-business Leaders of Houston (YALH) Education Program.
The (YALH) Education Program is funded by an African American Mayors Association (AAMA) and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA) through their Nutrition Access, Affordability, and Education Grant Program, launched at Carver High School in late October. Students are currently in the fifth week.
“We hope students’ graduate’ from the program inspired and empowered to use their creativity and knowledge to make positive changes in their communities, address food disparities, and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals in need,” said Esther Bonojo, a public health administrative specialist with the Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities.
So far, students have learned about urban agriculture, healthy eating, and hydroponics and explored community gardens and farmers’ markets. In the weeks ahead, they will dive deeper into entrepreneurship, market presentation, community engagement, and food pantries. They will implement a garden-to-market program at Carver HS. The culminating projects include teams of students developing a plan for a program to present. Projects must address food insecurity in their community. They’ll give a “Shark Tank-style” presentation to a panel of judges, including program guest speakers.
“We knew we wanted to give students a real-world experience,” said Assistant Principal Eboni Taylor. “Students aren’t just listening to someone talking. Our students engage in hands-on activities, field trips, group discussions that include experts, and project learning. The curriculum has created an impactful learning experience for our students. We aim for students to take the practical experiences and real-world applications in their own lives and families.”
The goal is to encourage students to think about their role in promoting urban agriculture and healthy eating beyond the program.
Taylor and master teacher Monica Caldwell worked closely with Bonojo in developing and implementing the program at Carver High School. The Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities provided all the necessary resources, materials, and training to everyone involved in the program.
“We want our students to become much more aware of what they consume and their ability to make healthier choices,” said Caldwell. “If those choices are not there for them, they’re going to find a way to make them available.”
The YALH Education Program is a collaboration between Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Office of Complete Communities, the Houston Health Department, Prairie View A&M University, Dawn Health, the Houston Food Bank, the Acres Home Chamber of Commerce, Communities for Better Health, MD Anderson’s Be Well Acres Home, hydroponics experts, local farmers’ market organizers, and more.
The focus is to close the gap in disparities in nutrition access, affordability, and education. Based on the results and student interest, there could be a discussion about expanding the YAHL program.
Bonojo lauded the school’s kick-off of the program, “The students’ engagement and enjoyment during the first session were evident. Your passion for teaching and nurturing their interest in the environment and aquaponic systems is invaluable to our mission. Thank you for your incredible support and for being a driving force behind the program and its future success.”
