Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** current issue:the need for…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** current issue:the need for sustainable agriculture practices is more critical than ever due to increasing environmental challenges and the demand for healthy, locally-grown food. However, there is a significant GAP in the availability of comprehensive, hands-on agricultural education programs that can equip future farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate small-acreage farms sustainably. This issue is particularly relevant for economically, socially, and educationally disadvantaged communities who often lack access to such educational opportunities. Addressing this GAP is essential for fostering economic resilience, improving community health, and protecting the environment.methods and approaches:foodwaves aims to address these challenges by strengthening its partnerships with clackamas community college (CCC), a local community college in clackamas county, oregon, and several local high schools. This collaboration will enhance our curriculum and provide robust educational opportunities. Our methods include:hands-on instruction: students will participate in practical, on-farm learning experiences through the small-acreage market farm internship program (samfip) and work-study programs.workshops and presentations: regular workshops and presentations will be conducted at CCC and partner high schools (such as gladstone high school, milwaukie high school, molalla high school, estacada high school, colton high school, and oregon city service learning academy) to raise awareness about sustainable agriculture and the opportunities available through foodwaves.curriculum development: we will collaborate with CCC to refine and enhance our curriculum, focusing on business management, annual crop planning, and soft skills development.mentorship and support programs: establishing mentorship programs to provide ongoing support and guidance to students, particularly those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds.how data collection informs goals:the data collected through these methods and approaches will play a crucial role in achieving our project goals:hands-on instruction data: tracking the progress and performance of students participating in on-farm learning experiences will provide insights into the effectiveness of our practical training methods. This data will help US refine and improve our instructional approaches to ensure students gain the necessary skills and knowledge.workshops and presentations data: attendance and feedback from workshops and presentations will inform US about the reach and impact of our outreach efforts. This information will be used to enhance our recruitment strategies and tailor our presentations to better meet the needs and interests of diverse student populations.curriculum development data: feedback and performance data from students and faculty involved in the enhanced curriculum will guide further refinements and adjustments. This iterative process will ensure the curriculum remains relevant,,comprehensive, and effective in preparing students for sustainable agriculture careers.mentorship and support programs data: monitoring the outcomes of mentorship relationships and support programs will help US understand their impact on student retention and success. This data will inform the development of best practices for mentorship and support, ensuring students from underrepresented backgrounds receive the guidance they need to thrive.ultimate goals and impact:the ultimate goal of this project is to create a scalable, sustainable agricultural education program that can be adopted by other institutions nationwide. By achieving this goal, we expect to see:increased knowledge and skills: participants will gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in sustainable farming, business management, and community engagement.behavioral change: graduates will implement sustainable practices in their own farming operations, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable food system. Additionally, graduates and other individuals involved in our programs will share their knowledge of growing food with their communities, fostering a culture of sustainability and self-sufficiency. This peer-to-peer knowledge transfer will amplify the impact of our programs, as more people adopt sustainable farming practices.improved conditions: the project will foster economic resilience and improve access to healthy food, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Additionally, IT will contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting practices that reduce the ecological footprint of small-acreage farms. This project will not only benefit the immediate participants but also have a broader societal impact by contributing to the development of a sustainable and equitable food system. The knowledge and practices disseminated through this project will help shape the future of agriculture, ensuring IT is resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.