2016 APPLICATION GUIDE FOR CERTIFICATE IN URBAN AGRICULTURE PROGRAM

Transcription

1 The New York City School of Urban Agriculture 2016 APPLICATION GUIDE FOR CERTIFICATE IN URBAN AGRICULTURE PROGRAM This Guide Includes: I. General Information II. Program Description III. Course Lengths, Times, and Locations IV. Course Descriptions V. Expectations of Farm School NYC Students VI. Fees and Payment Programs Farm School NYC 114 West 47th Street, Suite C1 35 New York, NY (212)

2 GENERAL INFORMATION Mission: Farm School NYC'S mission is to train NYC residents in urban agriculture, in order to build self-reliant communities and inspire positive local action around food access and social, economic, and racial justice issues. Through engaging, site-based education, Farm School cultivates future leaders in NYC s food justice movement. Farm School NYC offers urban agriculture training through a two-year certificate program as well as select individual courses. In November 2016, Farm School NYC, in partnership with Youth Farm, will be launching an additional month Accelerated Certificate in Urban Farming program. What makes Farm School NYC unique? Committed to grassroots social justice. Farm School NYC provides students with the tools they need to become effective and empowered grassroots leaders in the food justice movement. We do this by teaching effective community organizing and advocacy techniques as well as engaging in dialogues about larger social, economic, and racial, and justice issues. Community-based approach. Farm School NYC was created by a vast network of urban farmers, community gardeners, and anti-hunger and food justice advocates in the city. The program is created and run by grassroots leaders who know NYC's unique communities and food issues best. Accessible to all NYC residents. Farm School aims to cultivate a student body representative of the incredible diversity of NYC. Our students come from a wide range of different backgrounds and life experiences and diversity is crucial to the success of our program. As part of our commitment to social justice and diversity, tuition is on a sliding scale based on income and household size. In addition, the time commitment and schedule of the program is designed to be accessible to students working full time jobs. As the school grows, we will continue to find ways to increase how can be accessible to more students. NYC is your classroom. In addition to being conceived by a broad base of NYC community leaders, Farm School uses a wide variety of city gardens, farms, and other unique classroom spaces in order to engage in city specific place-based education. History + Funding: Farm School NYC began as a collective vision in The early planners realized that we have many great resources in New York City many diverse community gardens and urban farms, a network of supportive greening organizations, and excellent educational opportunities. At the same time, we realized that we needed something else, where we could gain a comprehensive farming education. For three years, a network of individuals and groups came together to plan the school. Farm School NYC received funding 2

3 from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program in September 2010, and first opened for classes three months later, in January What will I learn? Students will explore a multitude of different subjects related to urban agriculture, education, and food justice. Below are some of the main topics featured in our program but please see our Course Offerings page for more details on the classes. Urban agriculture growing techniques Community organizing and leadership skills Food based education Business planning and marketing skills Program Description In November 2016, Farm School NYC will be offering two certificate programs: The Certificate in Urban Agriculture and an Accelerated Certificate in Urban Agriculture, in partnership with The Youth Farm. Overview of Certificate in Urban Agriculture Program Farm School NYC offers a two-year certificate program in Urban Agriculture as well as select individual courses. Our courses are taught by experts in the field and focus on a wide range of topics from social justice issues, to urban planting techniques, to grassroots community organizing. Through engaging, site-based education, Farm School classes offer comprehensive professional training in urban agriculture and cultivate future leaders in NYC's food justice movement. Program Components Offering comprehensive professional training in all aspects of Urban Agriculture, our certificate program consists of four main parts: Part 1: 14 core courses to provide a foundation in urban agriculture and food justice Part 2: Advanced coursework in a minimum of 4 out of 6 courses plus a student-led seminar. Part 3: 140 hour apprenticeship in a student s chosen focus area Part 4: 40 volunteer hours with Farm School NYC Certificate students may complete the first three parts in up to 5 years. Certificate students must complete their volunteer hours within the first two years of the program. 3

4 Course Completion: Certificate students are required to complete the above within two-to-five years. We require that each certificate student commit to completing 11 core courses in the first year of the program. This gives continuity to each student s experience, as the core courses are designed to occur in sequence. Part 1: Core Courses Each of the 14 core courses is mandatory for Certificate students. Most of the core courses meet twice a week: Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Certificate students who have completed at least 11 of the required 14 core courses can take advanced courses and an apprenticeship. Certificate focus area: Certificate students who have completed the necessary core courses will choose a focus area. This focus area will help to direct students and to choose advanced courses and apprenticeship sites that will allow them to further explore their focus area. Part 2: Advanced Courses The advanced courses will add to the depth and breadth of material covered in core courses. Certificate students that have completed the necessary core courses will take a minimum of 4 out of 6 advanced courses (see page 3 for descriptions). Each advanced course will be 6 weeks in length. Students will be in class for an average of 3 hours per week. The final class of each advanced course will be a capstone class, which will include group discussions, general application of course topics, and student apprenticeship report backs. Student-Led Seminar: Following the final advanced course, all Certificate students will participate in a final student-led seminar. During the 4 week seminar (3 hours per week), Certificate students will present the results of their apprenticeship to other students, Farm School NYC faculty, and Farm School NYC Executive Board and Advisory Council members. Part 3: Apprenticeship The apprenticeship opportunity is designed to complement the advanced courses by providing the practical application of core and advanced course material. Students are advised to choose apprenticeships that will supplement their desired focus area. Certificate students that have completed the necessary core courses will choose between a range of apprenticeships that meets their needs and interests. The 140 hour apprenticeship can occur on a part-time or full-time basis, but it must be completed within 10 months. 4

5 Farm School NYC will run an application process for potential apprenticeship sites. Students will be presented with a menu of apprenticeship opportunities and will make contact directly with the sites. Apprenticeship sites and students will submit a signed contract to Farm School NYC. Past apprenticeship sites have included NY Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Grange and Snug Harbor. Part 4: Volunteer Hours In order to build Farm School NYC into a strong, dynamic, community-based learning center, certificate students must complete 40 hours of volunteer work within the first two years of enrolling. This volunteer component is designed to enhance the viability of the school; tasks will be designed to strengthen the school and to fit the student s schedule. Previous volunteer tasks have included tabling and representing Farm School NYC at events; office assistance and data entry; organizing fundraisers; website development; meeting with politicians; being a teaching assistant and more. Overview of Accelerated Certificate in Urban Agriculture Program Farm School NYC is partnering with the Youth Farm at the High School for Public Service on a new Accelerated Certificate in Urban Agriculture, launching in November Accelerated certificate students can complete their certificates in months rather than 24 months. This expedited and immersive 660-hour, season-long training program will allow highly motivated students to take many of Farm School NYC s core courses -- such as Food Justice, Botany and Training of Trainers -- as well as the Youth Farm s 20+ hands-on workshops, refined over the last five years through the Youth Farm s respected Urban Farm Training Program. This Accelerated Certificate places an emphasis on continuous hands-on training throughout a full season of farming in NYC on a 1-acre diversified farm, the Youth Farm, from seed to harvest. This Accelerated Certificate program includes: Hands-on Farm Work Weekly Technical sit-down Workshops Weekly Instructional Farm Walk Training Rotations in Propagation, Irrigation, Flowers, Direct Marketing (CSA and Market), Composting, and Farm Management Direct Marketing: Community Supported Agriculture, Farmers Market, Restaurant Sales Working with Youth and leading volunteer groups Urban and Rural Field Trips Ergonomics & Self-Care for Farmers Record Keeping 5

6 Discussion of food systems and movement through a Food Justice lens Traditional and Alternative Skills Assessment Dream farm planning: crop planning, budgets and business financial projections End-of-Season Graduate Round Table/Career Q&A Application: The application for the Accelerated Certificate in Urban Farming program is separate from the traditional Farm School NYC certificate program. For additional information, check out To apply for the Accelerated Certificate program, click here: Application 6

7 Course Lengths, Times, and Locations Where and when do Farm School NYC classes happen? Because each of Farm School's courses require unique sites and time commitments, the length and meeting time and place of courses varies with the curriculum. Below are some general program logistics, all of which may vary with different courses. Core Courses Lengths and times: Farm School NYC core courses range from one week to six weeks. Each class week consists of seven hours a three-hour Wednesday night class and a four-hour weekend class. On occasion, one-week courses will consist of one day-long training on a weekend. Locations: Courses will take place in a variety of locations across the city, including community gardens, urban farms, NYC botanical gardens, and indoor classrooms in various locations. Most course locations are to be announced (TBA). Advanced Courses Lengths and times: Farm School NYC advanced courses are each six weeks long. Each class week consists of three hours on Monday evenings. Locations: Courses will take place at indoor classrooms to be determined. What is the size of Farm School NYC classes? Courses are capped at twenty-five students in order to foster personal engagement between students and teachers and to be sure that each student's individual needs may be met by Farm School. Some classes will be smaller. 7

8 Farm School NYC Core Courses, : Exact dates and lengths of some courses for 2017 are still to be determined. Classes are scheduled to begin Winter Season Training of Trainers ( 3 weeks: November 30-December 14): This dynamic course explores popular education methods, emphasizing the concepts of learner-centered teaching, and hands-on, participatory learning. Students will explore various styles of learning, and practice planning, designing and leading an effective workshop. Food Justice ( 4 weeks: January 4-28 includes intensive weekend retreat): With NYC as the stage, this course will provide an overview of food politics, food justice issues and approaches. This course will look at economic, political and social disparities, and the innovative people and projects working to overcome them. This course will include an intensive weekend Undoing Racism training, giving students a food justice foundation to build on in their food movement work. Botany ( 4 weeks: February 1-25): Study the plant body and the main component parts of the plants we eat: roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruit. This course will better prepare students for Propagation, Growing Soil, Pest/Disease ID and Management and Crop Planning. Spring Season Carpentry and Building Intro (2 weeks: March 8-18): Learn carpentry basics: reading and drawing building designs relevant to urban agriculture (raised beds, compost bins, chicken coops, cold frames, greenhouses and hoop houses, rainwater harvest systems). Outdoor building classes will cover tool safety and maintenance as well as provide hands-on building experience. Propagation ( 3 weeks: March 22-April 8): This course will cover the basic aspects of plant propagation and best practices for raising healthy seedlings from seed to transplant, including: Plant reproduction, the use and management of propagation tools such as greenhouses and hoop houses (managing microclimates, pests and diseases, and record keeping), creating and using propagation media such as soil mixes and common containers, and proper watering techniques for different types of seedlings and stages of growth. 8

9 Growing Soil ( 5 weeks: April 19- May 20): Essential to growing healthy plants is growing healthy soil. This course will cover everything from basic soil science, soil remediation and the current state of NYC soils to soil fertility, proper irrigation and cultivation, and compost (biology and system construction). NYC as an Ecosystem (2 weeks: May 31-June 10): This course will provide an overview of the forces which shape our ecosystem, both natural and human made. We will discuss geology, hydrology, vegetation patterns, wildlife, Native American history, and disturbance. Students will leave the course with an understanding of how to apply these concepts in an agricultural setting. Summer Season Irrigation (2 weeks: June 14-24): Within the context of NYC s watershed, we ll cover the role of irrigation in farm systems, types of irrigation, how to set up these systems and where to source equipment. Crop Management (4 weeks: July 5-July 29): This course will explore the best crops for NYC s climate, weed management, succession planning and planting, inter-planting, harvesting and post-harvest handling techniques, review of common crop plant families and their specific needs. Plant Health ( 2 weeks: August 2-12): An introduction to common NYC pests and diseases, organic pest control prevention and treatments. Fall Season Season Extension (2 weeks: August 16-26): Learn about the best crops for late-season production. Students will also learn about common season-extension tools: row covers, sun boxes, cold frames, greenhouses and hoop houses. We will cover the benefits and challenges of using these materials, and sources for them. Preparing for Winter ( 3 weeks: September 6-23): This course will cover seed saving, garlic planting and varieties, garden clean-up and tool storage, cover-cropping basics (varieties, sowing methods and planting calendar) as well as food preservation techniques. 9

10 Small Farm Planning and Design (5 weeks: October 18-November 18): This course will review the value of and types of record keeping for your community garden, urban farm, or food-related business. Learn practical elements of community garden, school garden and urban farm design, business planning 101, beginner marketing concepts and program planning. Learn about the theory and practice of asset-based community mapping. Transformational Leadership ( 1 weekend: December 2-3) This course will explore ways of connecting our values to our goals and tools for reaching them. We will practice holding spaces to examine the power of storytelling in our communities. We will practice deep listening and dialogue as a means of cultivating leadership skills that will transform and cultivate practical learning experiences. Advanced Courses, 2018: Exact dates and lengths of some courses for 2018 are still to be determined. The purpose of the Advanced Courses is to provide depth and breadth to material covered in core courses. Once Certificate students have completed at least 11 of the required 14 core courses, they will take Advanced Courses. Students will take a minimum of 4 out of 6 Advanced Courses (see below). Crop Production: (January 10-February 14) Advanced crop planning for vegetable, fruit, flower, and herb production. Students will gain a deeper understanding of specific plant families, including crop science and growing needs. Students will develop crop plans. Prerequisites: Botany; Crop Management Strongly recommended: Small Farm Planning and Design *Pre-course readings will be assigned. Advocacy: (February 21 -March 28) Students will walk away with an understanding of NYC, state, and federal policies and how they affect food access and food production in an urban setting. Students will develop skills in campaign building, community organizing and effective writing for and streamlining messaging around these issues. Prerequisites: Food Justice; working knowledge of local government 10

11 Animal Husbandry: (April 4-May 23) In this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of animal husbandry in NYC, including care and legality of keeping livestock in the city. Specifically, students will focus on raising chickens, bees, and fish. Strongly recommended: Carpentry and Building; Small Farm Planning and Design * Students will spend time visiting sites independently. Teaching: (May 30-July 11) Through practical application and classroom time, students will gain skills in lesson and curriculum planning for a wide range of children and youth. Participants will learn about existing garden and food justice education curriculae and how they can be integrated with public education state standards. This course is for teachers who want to learn about garden curriculae and for gardeners who want to learn how to teach children and youth. Prerequisites: Food Justice; Training of Trainers Strongly recommended: prior experience gardening *Pre-course readings will be assigned. Community Food Arts: (July 18 - August 22) In this advanced course, students will learn about processing food through canning, pickling, drying, fermenting, and freezing. Students will learn about food science, NYS health and food safety standards, and relevant licensing. Students will develop their own market-ready value added products. Prerequisites: Basic cooking skills Enterprise: (August 29 -October 3) This course will build on the core course Small Farm Planning and Design. Students will learn and demonstrate the fundamentals of business planning, development and management of enterprises in a local food system. Students will be prepared to identify opportunities and develop and implement sustainable models for local food production, processing and/or distribution for economic and/or social benefit. Students will gain skills in development of CSA, farmers markets, farm to school and farm to restaurant models and the regulations that accompany such trade. Prerequisites: Small Farm Planning and Design Certificate Student Seminar: (October 17-November 7) Following the final advanced course, Certificate students will participate in a final student-led seminar. During the 4 week seminar, Certificate students will present the results of their apprenticeship to other students, Farm School NYC faculty, and Farm School NYC Executive Board. Prerequisites: Participation and completion (or near completion) of Farm School NYC apprenticeship; Completion of core courses; Completion of a minimum of 4 out of 6 advanced courses 11

12 Expectations of Farm School NYC Students Attendance policy: Student participation is integral to the learning process. Due to the intensive nature of the Farm School NYC programs, absences jeopardize a student s ability to successfully complete his or her studies. Attendance policy: Student participation is integral to the learning process. Students may not miss more than 30% of total class hours in order to complete the course. Lateness policy: If a student is more than 30 minutes late, they will be marked late. If a student is late two times, the student will be considered absent for the day. Weather: Unless a class is cancelled due to lightning or severe weather, students will be expected to attend rain or shine. Students are expected to dress appropriately for the weather. Farming goes on, rain or shine! Physical work: There will be physical work involved in some courses, and we encourage all students who are able to engage in this work. Applicants are encouraged to contact us with questions about the physical work involved in each course. Student measurement: In order to complete each course, students will be required to fulfill requirements defined by the course teacher. As we are not yet an accredited institution, students will receive a complete for each course, rather than credit. Indicators may include participation in the form of physical activities, discussion, questions, positive engagement with the classroom site, etc. Student Conduct: Farm School NYC strives to develop and maintain a pleasant, efficient, and fair learning environment that fosters cooperation and understanding. Students and faculty must also respect and obey the rules of conduct in our partner host sites. Actively participate: Being part of Farm School NYC means being part of building a community and being respectful and considerate of others and encourage others participation. We expect students to actively participate in their courses and be open to a variety of learning methods and techniques some of which may be beyond personal comfort zones or interests. 12

13 Certificate in Urban Agriculture Fees and Payment Structure CERTIFICATE PROGRAM TUITION Tuition Payment Level Tuition Rate Full Tuition: Level 4 $14.00 per course hour $5600 Subsidized Tuition: Level 3 $9.50 per course hour $3800 Subsidized Tuition: Level 2 $4.50 per course hour $1800 Subsidized Tuition: Level 1 $1.25 per course hour $500 Total Cost for the Certificate in Urban Agriculture PAYMENT PLANS All certificate program students have the option to make one complete payment at the time of registration or choose a payment plan of two annual payments or 6 quarterly payments (four in the first academic year and the remaining two in the second). Students who choose to make one complete payment will receive a 5% discount. Tuition payments begin November 15, Tuition Payment Level Single Payment Annual Payments 6 Quarterly Payments 5% Discount Year 1 Year 2 Level 4 $5320 $3733 $1587 $ Level 3 $3610 $2533 $1267 $ Level 2 $1710 $1200 $600 $300 Level 1 $475 $333 $167 $83.33 TUITION PAYMENT LEVELS & SUBSIDIES Farm School NYC offers sliding scale tuition subsidies based on income. To determine your tuition level, choose your household size and annual income on the Farm School NYC Certificate in Urban Agriculture Payment Level Chart. If you find that the payment level is still beyond your means, please call us to discuss your situation. We do not want to turn students away based on inability to pay. 13

14 Household Size Annual Income Tuition Payment Level How many people are there in your household? This includes all children and dependents of the household What is the combined income of all members of the household? This is your payment level. Level 4 is Full Tuition. Levels 1 through 3 are subsidized on a sliding scale. As part of our mission to make our courses accessible to everyone in our city, Farm School NYC raises funds and collects donations to cover the subsidized tuition costs that students at Levels 1 and 2 pay to attend. As a result, we have a limited number of spaces available at these scholarship levels, based on what we raise. Please keep that in mind as you apply, and please only choose these levels if you are eligible. Our class prices are based on having a diverse balance of student income levels. We understand that there are circumstances beyond income, but please understand that our funding is very limited and we are committed to making our courses available to the entire community. Please note that if you are accepted into classes, we may ask for proof of income. 14

15 Certificate in Urban Agriculture Payment Level Chart Household Size Annual Income Payment Level 1 Person Household $81,200 or more Level 4 Full Tuition $54,200 - $81,199 Level 3 Subsidized Tuition $27,100 - $54,199 Level 2 Subsidized Tuition $27,099 or less Level 1 Subsidized Tuition 2 Person Household $102,000 or more Level 4 Full Tuition $72,900-$101,999 Level 3 Subsidized Tuition $36,400-$72,899 Level 2 Subsidized Tuition $36,399 or less Level 1 Subsidized Tuition 3 Person Household $137,300 or more Level 4 Full Tuition $91,600-$137,299 Level 3 Subsidized Tuition $45,800-$91,599 Level 2 Subsidized Tuition $45,799 or less Level 1 Subsidized Tuition 4 Person Household $165,400 or more Level 4 Full Tuition $110,300-$165,399 Level 3 Subsidized Tuition $55,100-$110,299 Level 2 Subsidized Tuition $55,099 or less Level 1 Subsidized Tuition 5 Person Household $193,400 or more Level 4 Full Tuition $129,000-$193,399 Level 3 Subsidized Tuition $64,500-$128,999 Level 2 Subsidized Tuition $64,499 or less Level 1 Subsidized Tuition 6 Person Household $221,500 or more Level 4 Full Tuition $147,700-$221,499 Level 3 Subsidized Tuition $73,800-$147,699 Level 2 Subsidized Tuition $73,799 or less Level 1 Subsidized Tuition 7 Person Household $249,500 or more Level 4 Full Tuition $166,400-$249,499 Level 3 Subsidized Tuition $83,200-$166,399 Level 2 Subsidized Tuition 15

16 $83,199 or less Level 1 Subsidized Tuition 8 Person Household $277,600 or more Level 4 Full Tuition $185,100-$277,599 Level 3 Subsidized Tuition $92,500-$185,099 Level 2 Subsidized Tuition $92,499 or less Level 1 Subsidized Tuition 16