I'm getting ready to run the Cambridge 5k in support of CitySprouts, a non-profit that partners with public school districts in Boston and Cambridge to build and maintain learning gardens. I'm proud to serve on the Board of Directors of this special organization, which engages pre-k through middle school students in hands-on science education, environmental literacy, and healthy food cultivation, while also running tuition-free summer and after-school programs. 

As a parent of two young children, I've seen firsthand how outdoor exploration and gardening build confidence and curiosity - not to mention it's helped us introduce new vegetables to our household with (relatively) greater success! Between now and race day at the end of October, I'm excited to raise awareness about the impact CitySprouts has on young children in our community. I hope you will take a few moments to read on about their inspiring work and that you'll donate to my race page in support! 

Thank you!

Emily

Since 2001, CitySprouts' mission has been to cultivate curiosity and wonder in students through hands-on science learning in their own schoolyard gardens. Your gift has a tremendous impact on our work to transform schoolyards into vibrant gardens for Pre-K through 8th grade students to learn and thrive.  To inspire a generation to grow a greener future in Cambridge and Boston, we:

• Build and maintain school-based learning gardens in partnership with 24 Cambridge and Boston public schools
• Expose students to healthy fresh foods
• Inspire middle school students to pursue STEM and green careers
• Create opportunities for group experiences that promote social emotional learning
• Nurture an attachment to the natural world, and
• Connect students to their local and broader communities

At CitySprouts, we believe every child has a right to a foundational science education and to meaningful, productive, and beautiful outdoor spaces in their schoolyards. Hands-on learning in school gardens grows curiosity and wonder, and supports mental and physical health. Caring for plants in spaces children can call their own builds connections to healthy foods and the natural world, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and community leaders.

To put our beliefs into action, CitySprouts partners with urban public schools. We prioritize communities whose access to nature and funding for science education have been historically under-resourced. Building and maintaining schoolyard garden classrooms, developing and delivering in-school PK-5th grade science curriculum, and providing meaningful after school and summer programs for middle school students, are vital steps toward achieving equity in science education and outdoor learning. 

Make a donation today and help our gardens grow the next generation of environmental leaders!