SFUSD CTE Agriculture Pathways (Academy SF @ McAteer and Mission High Schools)

     We are applying as a team representing the Urban Agriculture Pathways within the Career Technical Education (CTE) Dept. of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).  CTE academies are high-school programs that integrate students learning in school with real-world opportunities to increase student motivation and achievement.  The innovative Urban Agriculture pathways are designed as 2 year sequential courses in 11th and 12th grade, and are one of a kind in California's urban areas.  Our team will be the two educators empowering students to understand the local food system, entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, and how to grow and prepare healthy, organic food at Mission High School, and the Academy SF High School @ McAteer campus (ASF), respectively.      

     Each of these public school sites serve very diverse student populations coming from all over San Francisco, including a majority from low-income families.  Many of the ~200 students that we work with each year thrive in the active, experiential environment, as opposed to their typical classes, and still have the opportunity to earn a lab science, or "D", credit for the 11th grade class.  

   The curriculum includes  a steady stream of work based learning opportunities, college and career readines activities, field trips, interactions with industry professionals, and authentic projects.  We focus on practical skills, professionalism, and critical thinking around the food system and food justice issues. Students can deeply learn these lessons through hands-on work opportunities on the beautiful and productive farm and garden spaces on campus, as well as in cooking and food preparaton facilities.  Entrepreneurship is also a highlight of the program and students have the chance to sell the food they grow to retailers, restaraunts, and direct to the community at farmers markets and CSA boxes.