Investment to Advance Linden-McKinley STEM Agriculture Pathway Program
The City of Columbus is
supporting the Columbus City Schools’ implementation of an innovative
agriculture-based college and career readiness program at Linden-McKinley STEM
Academy. A $50,000 investment by the Department of Neighborhoods will support
the Agriculture Pathways Community Gardens program.
“Community
gardens help engage students and family, an important goal in the One Linden
Plan,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “The goal is to make the Linden McKinley
STEM Academy the first in central Ohio to offer unique agricultural oriented
programming to urban students who are talented in science and mathematics.”
This investment is aligned
with the One Linden Plan and its focus on supporting student success. Funding
will provide new water taps, irrigation, electricity and fencing for the
community gardens at 1267-1269 25th Ave. and 1275-1277 25th Ave. in Linden.
“It is important to celebrate
the many exciting developments that are occurring in Linden today. I appreciate
the partnership with Columbus City Schools to ensure this innovative program,
the only one of its kind in central Ohio, is available to the young people of
Linden,” stated Carla Williams-Scott, Director of the Department of
Neighborhoods.
The
Columbus City Schools have been working to take current programming and align
it with new and innovative ways to engage students and families. More than 90
Linden-McKinley STEM Academy students participate in the program and will use
the gardens daily.
"This
is an exciting example of engaging students through hands-on learning that can
prepare them for new career paths. Those students at Linden-McKinley STEM
Academy are going to receive real world experience that will not only benefit
themselves, but their families and community as well. I applaud the Department
of Neighborhoods for creating an environment that will inspire and support the
next generation of leaders at the Linden-McKinley STEM Academy,” stated
Columbus City Council Member Rob Dorans.
The Department of
Neighborhoods serves as the front door to the city by providing information and
services for Columbus residents to ensure strong and vibrant
neighborhoods.