School Garden Grant Opportunity Benefits Sonoma Youth
WellKind to offer garden mini-grants for schools in Sonoma County
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
NEWS PROVIDED BY WELLKIND
Want to get your students out of doors and learning science, ecology, nutrition, and more? On September 16th, WellKind will be accepting applications for mini-grant proposals from Sonoma County public schools that are creating or sustaining a garden or are taking on garden-related projects.
WellKind’s Garden program presently partners with 23 schools, serving over 8,000 youth. Eighty-seven percent of our partner schools are supported by the federal Title 1 program, which provides funding assistance to schools serving large numbers of students from low-income families. Through the September 2022 mini-grant application process launch, WellKind hopes to reach even more schools and students as well as continue to assist schools that have received garden grants in the past.
According to WellKind Master Teacher Laura Honda, “What I noticed with children is their natural connection to the environment. They just naturally love being outside. There is nothing they love more, and they will dedicate themselves to taking care of anything that they plant. They love planting. They love watering. They love watching things grow.” Honda was recognized by the California State Teachers Association with the Distinguished Science Teacher of the Year award.
Beyond the health benefits of getting kids outside, studies have found academic benefits for both students and teachers. For example, learning science in the garden has proven to reach a wider margin of students than learning from a book. Gardens can increase enthusiasm for learning while leveling the playing field, raising the academic performance of all students.
Sara Gramm, a past recipient, and principal of Brook Haven Middle School, said, “I think having a garden program on campus just opens these kids’ experiences to so many different things. They’re able to use their math, their science skills in real-world application, and have not only that farm-to-table experience but also use math in a real-world way. You see science happen before their eyes, and for us, watching that magic is the most important part of our job.”
If you think your school could benefit from a garden grant, apply soon. The deadline for a school garden grant from WellKind is December 31, 2022 so schools can be selected in January and begin planting in the spring. Visit the Garden Page (link) to apply.
About WellKind
We believe that the future is well, and our work contributes to a world where the health and wellbeing of our communities are at the forefront. If you would like to learn more about our programs, visit www.wellkind.org.
Catriona Glazebrook
WellKind Executive Director
info@wellkind.org