A plentiful, safe, and accessible
food system of is one of the most important challenges we face
as we move into the 21st century. Issues such as hunger, food
safety, plant and animal agriculture, and environmental sustainability
affect us all. Engaging the educational system to address these
issues helps people to meet current challenges and prepare
for any new demands on the horizon. Our consortium is supported
by
colleges and universities, to dramatically improve the education
of food systems professionals now and in the future.
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June 2-4, 2008 - Dick Merritt, along with Mark Robson, Director, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, will visit the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez and USDA-TARS. Dick and Mark will be hosted by John Fernandez to explore mutually beneficial collaborative activities including FSC activities.
Program Updates and Project Development
Salem County Mentoring Program:
The Mentor Grant from Salem Co., NJ has been awarded to Pathways. It is a 3 year, $200,000 per year, U.S. Dept. of Education funded grant. It will be led by Glen Donaldson, P.I., a staff of 6-7, in collaboration with the steering committee from “Big Brothers-Big Sisters" and up to 50 volunteer adult mentors per year. The project focuses on at-risk youth in grades 6 to 8 in 5 school districts. Special activities will include community service and gardening (earth box) activities. Luanne Hughes and Terry Reagan from Rutgers are assisting.
Global Sustainability School(s):
Initiative will develop one or more Charter High Schools in NJ and focus on: Science and Math; Bio-Energy; Sustainable Food Production; Business and Entrepreneurship; Leadership; Ethics, Social Justice, and Community Development.
Gloucester County Alternative Work Program:
The project received a 4-month pilot grant in the amount of $38,000 to start a new job skills program to serve adults in Paulsboro Gloucester County.
NYS Disability Program in South Central NY:
3 year contract with NYS DOE for $280,000 for year 1.
American Conference on Diversity - Shoprite Center:
A workshop was presented to employers on March 11 in Pennsville in coordination with the Learn To Earn Juvenile Justice Program. The Center is located in New Brunswick.
City University of NY – Education Opportunity Center Contract:
• A new relationship has developed between Pathways and the CUNY and SUNY EOC Centers.
• Food Systems Programs will be offered starting this spring.
• Program will co-sponsored by Gourmet Garage of Manhattan ($16,500). Bronx Community College – HUD Pathways Program:
• The current contract will be extended for 2008 @ $32,700.
• Cornell Coop-Extension of NYC is our major partner.
NYS Children and Family Services Plant Science Program:
• Pathways is currently negotiating the development of a plant science program in NYS Juvenile Facilities.
• Curriculum will be needed and there will be a need to assist from our partners.
• A meeting was held March 7 in Johnstown, NY to discuss the contract.
Plant Science Health and Nutrition Modules:
• The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station has provided seed funding for development of Plant Science and Nutrition Modules.
• Tom Gianfagna (Rutgers) will lead Plant Science and Nutrition Module Development Program and Rich Novak, Associate VP Continuous Education & Distance Learning, will provide the IT assistance to digitize the instructional module.
• A “WIRED” grant proposal was submitted April 2008 entitled: “Education, Workforce Development and Enhancement of Bioscience throughDevelopment and Dissemination of Educational Modules for the Translation of Natural Product Science to Life Science Applications".
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