With funding from the Aetna Foundation, we are pleased to expand Urban GEMS further with an additional workforce development opportunity. Sixty youth will become trained Aeroponic urban farmers and entrepreneurs in indoor year-round food production annually. Proceeds from food sales will be feed back into the program to support additional opportunities for urban youth. The internship is a commitment of 4 hours per week for 8 weeks. Interns are also eligible for the Urban GEMS evaluation study. For more information call Program Manager Tiffany Groce at (614) 940-5435 or email Dr. Deanna Wilkinson at wilkinson.110@osu.edu or (614) 247-4004.
We held three successful sessions during 2017-2018 academic year.
Program Impact Update: Urban GEMS Youth Work engages urban youth, who reside in some of the unhealthiest neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio to grow their own food and futures guided by caring mentors. Since the fall of 2017, we have worked with 32 participants. Most are female (62.5%), Black or African American (84.4%) or biracial (13.6%), and 13.6 years old on average (range 11-18). Some of the promising findings include:
- 38% increased fruit consumption
- 81% plan to keep eating fruit
- 76% increased veggie consumption
- 81% plan to keep eating veggies
- 71% improved knowledge of heathy eating
- 81% plan to use new cooking skills
The Urban GEMS team has worked very hard to get to know each intern as is necessary for effective educational practice. We grow over 140 pounds of leafy greens each month. School and community support for Urban GEMS has been outstanding. Each cohort helps to build our future.
If you would like more information about how your teen can become apart of the Urban GEMS team complete this brief interest form. To apply for an internship spot youth between ages of 13-22 should complete an interest form to initiate the interview process.
