I believe implementing this program in young people’s lives brings them more awareness of the one home they have. You begin to look at the negative aspects more heavily and draw attention to them once you learn about the beauty of our earth that needs to be preserved. I have found ways to create more of a sustainable living, as well as connect more with my surroundings.

There are many taught objectives in high school that don’t benefit every student moving into their adult years but Im confident that this program helped me develop multiple skills that allow me to inform real world situations. Skills such as foundational knowledge of; cooking, ingredient preparation, planting, maintaining gardens, creating atmospheres for further growth, sustaining our environment and more, strong leadership, creative problem solving, and effective communication have reflected onto my current living as a young adult.

Former student and cooking show host

- Aolani

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- Jennifer

charge license nurse

I was a very shy and timid high schooler, but I was able to connect with my other classmates while working on the farm.

 I formed long-standing friendships with my classmates, many of whom I consider a part of my family. I have priceless memories that I will always cherish. Working on the farm gave me a sense of comfort and security. Most importantly, it gave me a sense of belonging in high school.

Over the years, I learned so much about building a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.

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- Edwin

These types of programs allow the ability to create a collaborative and safe space, for peers and yourself. Learning about the environment and sustainability goes a long way with groups and being able to make observations you may not have been able to make alone. This program encourages the development of skills like responsibility, patience, and observance

These programs create their own communities as everyone puts an effort into creating a space that is submerged in recognizing the environment. 

At the present time, with studying at UCSB, I find myself tending to the small plants I have at my dorm as I wait between my lectures, and even following up on the state of my original garden from time to time.

UC Santa barbara -freshman

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- Brenda

Catering and Events Coordinator

I gained a lot of confidence and learned to really take pride in my work from being able to work with my hands.

 I gained the knowledge to use tools and build a greenhouse which I would never have imagined doing as a high schooler, and I built strong connections to my community.

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- Rocio

Freshman Cal State Fullerton- Biological Sciences Major

Years after the program, I continue to use the skills that I have learned. This program has had a significant impact on my life.

I am still constantly seeking ways to stay motivated and maintain a healthy lifestyle.This program has provided me with knowledge that I have passed on to the rest of my friends and family.

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Before the program's start, I felt neutral about the environment. I knew of its importance, though not much about its importance. The subject of environmental sustainability seemed like a hopeless goal, as everything that threatened it (e.g., usage of electricity & water waste) seemed to only worsen throughout the years.  I couldn't have been more satisfied once the program started. I was learning about agriculture, pressing environmental issues, sustainable living, and sustainable cooking, developed stronger research skills, brainstormed possible solutions to environmental issues, and more!   I left with a changed perspective of the environment not being solely a 2-dimensional subject, but rather it being a world in need of repairing through education, for it affects all of us and many more in various ways. The program has not only affected how I live my life, as sustainably as possible, but it also made me more open-minded and willing to experience new things such as testing sustainable products or getting my hands
dirty making compost!

Chapman University Film School - freshman

- Lin

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- Jan

CSU Long Beach- Art Printmaking and Chicano Studies double major

I was always interested in the overall idea of sustainability for the environment but this course just jumpstarted it to the
next level for me.

Since this course, I have constantly strived to be the best person I can for our planet.

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- Sasha

 Cal state fullerton- freshman

This program changed everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, in my life. It completely changed my worldview and helped me better understand myself. As a high school sophomore, I had yet to envision my idealized future. Environmental sustainability had never crossed my mind as I had never heard of it. I was all over the greenhouse and orchard, watering garden beds, checking on seedlings, handling bugs (I already had no fear), and cultivating the soil.

I developed eco-friendly habits by decreasing my meat portions, increasing my green intake, composting food scraps at home for the plants on my window, and while I have a gas-powered car (due to the lack of funds), I make sure to mind my driving habits. Overall, the ESC has pushed me to take responsibility for my actions for the better and give back to my community and the environment. It has shaped me into the person I am today and the person I want to be tomorrow.

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- Dennis

Garden and environmental education pulls school communities together in an active and meaningful way that focuses us on how we can all contribute to sustaining our environment. 

Students feel empowered environmental stewards. As students deepen their awareness and learning, they strengthen their connection to themselves, one another, and their community. 

high school principal

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- Murielle

 The garden was not just simply a place where students planted seeds and grew vegetables. The garden became students' oasis. It became a space where young people could be reflective and a quiet space on campus. As a school social worker, I often used the garden with students that needed a space to find their center and get grounded.

The environmental education increase students' awareness of the the contribution of all living things to the ecosystem.

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- Hélène & Omar

I’ve noticed that my children have started to care and be more aware of social and environmental issues. Not only that, but caring about their diet and growing a passion and interest in what they eat and where it comes from. 

Doing such activities with peers can help children want to connect with their community. It’s a fun and educational way for our kids to learn to bond with each other and learn things that they can carry with them later on in life. 

Being part of this program has resulted in having more artistically driven kids. They seemed excited to learn in their science classes and hands-on experimental projects. Wanting to engage and participate in class.

parents & community members

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- Nina & George

This class was one of my daughters favorites during her time in high school.

She loved the hands-on aspect and relevance to the real world. It gave her a deeper appreciation of nature. She brought her enthusiasm home and ended up deepening our whole family's awareness of environmental issues. 

 I think programs like these can inspire youth to take action in becoming champions for the environment.

parents

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- Dan

These types of programs bring about the connection of youth with their greater environment. It helps students realize they can have a direct effect on the world that they are a part of, and that world is in fact directly affected by our actions.

These programs set a foundation for the early understanding of our health and the health of our planet. Once they are excited about eating healthy food and the importance of caring for the environment that doesn’t go away, it carries with them through their lives.

general manager & executive chef

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