SU Ag Center’s School Garden “Thrives” With Students

Before the garden - tractor set to plow field

Students shape and plant seedlings in the garden

SU Ag Center team conducts Taste Test Field Day for students

After- the students complete planting in garden 

Baton Rouge, LA - After the abrupt closure of Jetson Correctional Center for Youth in Baton Rouge, the Ag Fast Track USDA Grant team at SU Ag Center has shifted focus to teaching 6^th and 7^th grade adjudicated youth at THRIVE School. Lessons include agricultural and horticultural skills in implementing a school garden from the ground up. SU Ag Center’s Kevin Belizeard assisted by tilling up a 100 ft. diameter circle on the THRIVE campus and each class shaped the garden rows and planted with vegetable and ornamental seedlings. The grant was originally targeted to youth registered at Jetson Correctional Center.

THRIVE is a public, tuition-free, charter boarding school that serves at-risk youth in East Baton Rouge for students in grades 6 through 12. It provides students with an outstanding education in a holistically nurturing family-like residential setting.

The SU Ag Center team including Joyce Tubbs and Decobea Butler concluded the school year at THRIVE with a Taste Test Field Day. During the event, the students visited five different stations; giving them the opportunity to taste fresh vegetables and fruits, make their own trail mix and fruit smoothies. This experience allowed the students to try new things and see the advantage of planting and growing their own garden.

After experiencing the field day and learning the joys of gardening, the students were worried about their garden over the summer. Several workshops will be held at the garden site over the summer for the THRIVE students to attend and nurture the garden planted on campus and in their hearts.

The Ag Fast Track USDA Grant Team at SU Ag Center consists of Christie Monroe, Owusu Bandele, Stephanie Elwood, Kelli Hollins and Mila Berhane.

For more information about this program or to volunteer contact, Christie G. Monroe at 225-771-4350 or christie_monroe@suagcenter.com or visit THRIVE website at www.thrivebr.org

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com