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Market Statement

Science Wings through 4-H, led by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, aims to equip at-risk school-age youth (K-8) in Bexar County (San Antonio) and Harris County (Houston) with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary for leading positive, productive lives. Addressing unique challenges faced by military families and underrepresented communities, the program employs an urban community garden-based model to foster social interaction, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship. Over a 10-week period, youth and their families will participate in afterschool sessions focused on sustainable gardening practices, improving physical and mental health through access to fresh produce, and developing leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum includes science-based gardening best practices, and produce will be consumed, marketed, or donated to address food insecurity. With a goal of long-term sustainability, the program is supported by a robust team including Extension Agents, teachers, and youth center directors, all trained in science-based gardening and educational policies. Science Wings integrates activities into the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, ensuring educational relevance. The program's success will be measured through short-term outcomes such as improved health and nutrition awareness and long-term goals like continued garden programs and enhanced community leadership. By creating permanent 4-H Youth Development Clubs and fostering leadership among all stakeholders, Science Wings aims to promote innovative, sustainable science education practices that can secure future funding and support rural prosperity. This comprehensive approach involves iterative consultation with community partners, leveraging existing relationships and parental support to ensure impactful, culturally relevant programming that prepares youth for future challenges.

Program Implementation

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Sustainable Community Project – Science Wings through 4-H (Science Wings) Project was in its first funded year (awarded 09/01/2024) during the annual reporting period. While programming did not take place during this reporting period, program orientations with community sites did take place on 09/09/2024 (Harris County community sites) and 10/30/2024 (Bexar County community sites). During the reporting period, surveying of the community garden sites for the pilot programs were surveyed, as well as plans put in place for construction of raised garden beds and drip irrigation installation. Additionally, "Grab and Go" curriculum kits were prepared for implementation of the pilot program.

Community Integration

During the Annual Reporting period, initial planning and discussion has been started on integrating community members into the program through interpretation and promotion of program via newsletters and social media posts, once the program implementation begins. Master Gardener Volunteers were introduced to the program, as well as community site leaders and parent volunteers.

Technology Integration

During the reporting period, preparations have been made to use technology in promotion and interpretation of the project via newsletters and social media posts.

Sustaining

Progress towards sustainability has been made by cross-training of staff on planned curricula, preparing for 4-H club establishment at community sites, as well as including parent and community site leaders in program overview and expected outcomes/deliverables. Additionally, utilizing other agency staff resources such as Federally funded SNAP-Ed educators, and local county funded staff is taking place.

Short-Term Results

• -A 10-week science-based garden 4-H afterschool program for 4th grade age students, parents, & community members will be produced.-Youth, parents, and community members will be able to express how being actively involved in participating in gardening activities improves their physical, mental health, & nutrition.-Youth, parents, and community members will gain an understanding of the importance of taking leadership & working with others to achieve goals.-Youth, parents, & community members will develop an understanding of gardening practices that conserve water & improve soil fertility & air quality.

  1. How many participated in the evaluation? 0

  2. Evaluation Type used: N/A

  3. When was it given or conducted? N/A

  4. Analysis N/A

  5. Findings N/A

  5. Implications N/A

Long-Term Results

• The 10-week gardening program will continue in 4-H afterschool programming & will be incorporated to support the schools’ classes.-Youth, parents, and community members will be able to express how being actively involved in participating in gardening activities improves their physical, mental health, & nutrition.-Youth, parents, and community members will gain an understanding of the importance of taking leadership & working with others to achieve goals.-Youth, parents, & community members will develop an understanding of gardening practices that conserve water & improve soil fertility & air quality.

  1. How many participated in the evaluation? 0

  2. Evaluation Type used: N/A

  3. When was it given or conducted? N/A

  4. Analysis N/A

  5. Findings N/A

  5. Implications N/A