Mission Statement

Wyncote Academy Farm fosters a hands-on, experiential learning environment that equips our students with practical workplace skills and exposes students to various career pathways.

Vision

Our ¼ acre sustainable vegetable farm on Manor College’s campus is also home to various creatures such as laying hens and beneficial insects. By incorporating all these elements into our farm, we offer a unique and comprehensive educational experience that aims to promote sustainable food systems and environmental stewardship. Our farm focuses on engaging students, particularly those who live in food deserts, in the process of growing, harvesting, and preparing food. Through this, we aim to instill in them a deeper appreciation for food systems and the natural environments that sustain them, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future. Additionally, we aim to promote agri-tourism within the broader community and attract visitors who share our passion for locally sourced, organically grown food. Through our efforts, we hope to make a positive impact on our community, both in terms of food security and education.

Goals

Increase the area under cultivation at the farm. This allows for production of fresh food, and promotes community-supported urban agriculture. We plan to achieve this by selling even more food to the public (particularly families with school-aged students) via our CSA program and other distribution programs both in and out of the city

Extend the growing season as much as possible. We want to extend the growing season to provide students with more seed-to-sale learning opportunities. We aim to highlight the direct, monetary value of urban farmland through food production, education, community-building, and sense-of-place. We will support this initiative through curriculum development, website content, and social media engagement for grades 6-12. By growing food almost year-round, we intend to underscore the economic value of arable land in densely populated areas.

CSA information- dates, price, option to pay online (business venmo?)

Our Farm- Practicing Sustainable Agriculture

Community and Environmental Impact- How will we integrate it into the curriculum at Wyncote and at Manor?

- Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Illustrate how farming can integrate with various subjects (science, math, geography, and art). For instance, students can learn math through measuring plots, science through plant biology, and art through creating farm-themed projects.

- Real-World Applications: Share examples of how farming connects with real-world challenges like climate change, food waste, and sustainability, thus making education relevant and practical.

- Local Economy: Discuss how local farms contribute to the economy, support jobs, and encourage local businesses.

- Community Engagement: Highlight how farms can strengthen community ties through farmers’ markets, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities. Students from both Manor and Wyncote can bring what they learn directly to their neighborhoods/communities- learn about

- Understanding Challenges: Educate about the challenges farmers face, such as climate change, pests, labor shortages, and market fluctuations. This can foster empathy and understanding of agricultural issues.

- Innovations in Agriculture: Introduce how technology and innovative practices are transforming farming, such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and precision agriculture.

- Volunteer Opportunities: Encourage participation in farm-related activities, whether through school programs, local farms, or community gardens.

- Advocacy and Awareness: Discuss the importance of supporting local agriculture and being aware of where food comes from. Consider ways staff and students can advocate for sustainable practices. We don’t fully know what things will look like yet-and that’s okay and a perfectly normal part of this process

Resources for Further Learning

- Books and Articles: Provide a list of recommended reading materials about farming, sustainable agriculture, and related topics.

- Local Farms and Organizations: Highlight local farms or organizations that offer tours, workshops, or educational programs that staff and students can visit or participate in.

We are committed to continuing to offer valuable hands-on learning experiences and educational programming. Our aim is to engage more deeply with our community, fostering connections that benefit both our students and the broader public.

Historically, our educational practices were intertwined with the development of knowledge and essential life skills. This approach not only cultivates confidence but also fosters self-sufficiency among our students. I am eager to bring this style of learning back into play. Together, we can keep this vital practice alive. We are all a part of this vision, and I'm excited about what we can achieve as a team.

Insert- Manor info

Manor college is located 5 minutes away.

2022: Laying the Foundation In 2022, we established a multifaceted educational farm with the following initiatives:

· Maple Syrup Program: Launched a seasonal syrup production program, providing students with hands-on educational experiences.

· Summer Garden and CSA Program: Introduced a mid-summer garden and launched our first Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, bringing fresh, locally grown produce directly to the community.

· Winter Farmers’ Market: Expanded outreach by participating in a Winter Farmers’ Market, strengthening our connection with local residents.

2023: Expansion and Diversification Our farm saw significant growth in 2023 with:

· The introduction of egg-laying chickens and honey bees, which diversified our production and enriched student learning.

· Increased garden production, expanding our CSA offerings and local farmers’ market presence.

2024: Continued Growth In 2024, we celebrated another year of impressive growth:

· Increased production of eggs, vegetables, and honey.

· Formed new community partnerships, such as with the Jenkintown Food Cupboard (donating 25 dozen eggs per week) Philly Works, and Montco Works, providing job opportunities for local youth.

· Engaged more Wyncote Academy students in hands-on farm activities, from seed planting to harvesting.

Partnership with Manor College

Wyncote Academy Farm has been relocated to Manor College to enhance both the academic and community experience at the college. This partnership offers:

· Curricular Collaboration: We envision partnering with faculty across disciplines such as science, environmental studies, sustainability, food systems, and small machine operations to co-create relevant, experiential programs.

· Student Engagement: Volunteer and internship opportunities on the farm for students to gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming and food production.

· Community Outreach: Hosting workshops, pop-up markets, and educational events to engage both the Manor College campus and the broader community.

· Research Opportunities: Providing a living laboratory for student research in areas like small-scale farming, sustainability, and agriculture.

Apprenticeship Opportunities for Manor College Students

A key feature of this partnership is the creation of Apprenticeship Opportunities for students interested in fields like agriculture, environmental science, biology, and sustainable food production. These apprenticeships will offer:

· Practical Skills: Students will gain hands-on experience in organic farming techniques, crop management, beekeeping, livestock care, and other sustainable farming practices.

· Mentorship: Each apprentice will receive one-on-one guidance from our farm manager, an experienced educator with expertise in farm management and program development. This mentorship will be vital in helping students develop both technical and soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

· Comprehensive Curriculum: Students will learn about soil health, irrigation, pest management, and other vital topics, while engaging in farm-based research projects and community outreach.

· Career Development: These apprenticeships will help students build marketable skills, preparing them for careers in sustainable agriculture, environmental science, food systems, and related fields.

· Certification: Upon completion, students will receive a certificate of achievement, validating their practical skills and knowledge gained through the apprenticeship.

Why Partner with Wyncote Academy Farm?

Partnering with Wyncote Academy Farm will offer Manor College the following unique opportunities:

· Enhanced Academic Curriculum: Wyncote Academy Farm will enrich the curriculum by providing experiential learning focused on sustainability, food systems, and environmental stewardship.

· Student Engagement in Hands-on Education: Students will directly engage with farming activities, strengthening their understanding of the science behind sustainable agriculture.

· Community Engagement: Wyncote Academy Farm's community outreach, such as pop-up markets and workshops, will strengthen Manor College’s ties with the local area.

· Support for Local Food Systems: By promoting locally grown, organic produce through partnerships and market programs, Manor College will actively contribute to sustainable food systems in the region.

· Job Skills Training: Our farm manager has extensive experience in job skills training. Apprentices and volunteers will gain critical, transferable skills, such as responsibility, teamwork, and leadership, while contributing to the day-to-day operations of the farm.

Student Apprentices & Volunteers

Wyncote Academy Farm also relies on a growing team of dedicated student apprentices and volunteers. These individuals are trained in all aspects of farm operations, including planting, harvesting, animal care, and community outreach. Through structured

mentorship, they gain valuable work experience and develop leadership skills in a real-world agricultural setting.