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Using Agriculture as a Vehicle for Change through Experiential Learning 
The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension
Center (SUAREC) provides agricultural
training to incarcerated and adjudicated youth. Training topics include
communication and life skills, as well as horticultural and work force
skills. Instruction involves both
classroom and hands-on activities including the establishment of horticultural
garden plots. Instructors utilize a
community gardening curriculum that was developed by the SUAREC. Certificates are awarded upon successful
completion of the program; they can be utilized to support applications at any
horticultural-related establishment and for judge presentation at court to
display program participation and compliance.
This program has been
implemented at three facilities. Jetson
Center for Youth (JCCY) was the pilot program that began in May, 2011 until the
closure of the facility in January, 2014.
Gardening classes were conducted twice a week. In response to Jetson’s abrupt closure, the
program was established at THRIVE of Baton Rouge, a public charter boarding school that serves
adjudicated students. Weekly classes at
THRIVE began May, 2014 and presently
continue. A garden at THRIVE was
established and is currently maintained by students. We have also initiated a gardening program at
the Bridge City Center for Youth in New Orleans, Louisiana. Several of the juveniles from JCCY were
transferred there, and provide leadership in the project.
Future plans include formalizing a memorandum of understanding with
horticultural-related establishments to allow our graduates to obtain work
opportunities upon release. We will also
endeavor to establish internship/work release opportunities for selected
trustworthy youth to afford work-related opportunities even while they are
incarcerated.
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