Project SEMBRAR Offers Experiential Learning Opportunities for Students Through Innovative Program Collaboration
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (July 22, 2024) — This summer, LaGuardia Community College/CUNY hosted a three-week intensive summer experiential learning program and paid internship, Project SEMBRAR, which concluded on July 12. This innovative initiative, designed to immerse students in the principles and practices of regenerative agriculture, food justice, and aquaponics, was conducted primarily at the new LaGuardia Farm and Research Center.
Dr. Preethi Radhakrishnan, Program Director, Environmental Science Program, said the program was an educational journey into the heart of sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.
“Participants delved into crop rotation, green infrastructure, and the critical roles of pollinators and native plants,” Dr. Radhakrishnan said. “They engaged in hands-on learning experiences, including plant macronutrient and soil testing using advanced X-ray fluorescence technology and nutrient testing techniques. These activities provided invaluable insights into the scientific and practical aspects of modern farming practices aimed at sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
A unique aspect of this year’s Project SEMBRAR which usually includes 15 students from LaGuardia, was the inclusion of 15 additional high school students from the Variety Boys and Girls Club (VBGC). Together, 30 students from both LaGuardia and VBGC, explored various facets of urban farming and food systems, gaining firsthand experience at notable sites such as Oko Farms, Newtown Creek Alliance, Queens Botanical Garden, Connected Chef, and Grace Lee Boggs Garden. “This diverse array of visits, organized in conjunction with NY Sunworks, broadened their understanding of urban agriculture and community-based food solutions,” said Dr. Radhakrishnan.
The program’s grand finale was a farm-to-table lunch, showcasing the fruits of the students’ labor.
Students prepared the meal at the Nutrition and Culinary Management Lab and served at the Pool Side Cafe. The event featured dishes crafted from fresh produce harvested from the farm, the LAGCC Hydroponic Research Center, and Sky Farms. The menu celebrated food sovereignty with an array of culturally significant dishes, including Egyptian stew with taro and Swiss chard, pesto pasta, vegetable pulao, cauliflower and peas curry, soba noodles with fresh vegetables, kale salad, and a berry salad with saffron custard. This culinary celebration not only highlighted the students’ achievements but also emphasized the importance of sustainable, locally sourced food.
“Project SEMBRAR has once again demonstrated the power of experiential learning in equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive positive change in our food systems,” Dr. Radhakrishnan said. “The dedication and hard work of all participants have laid a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable agriculture and food justice. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of this transformative program on our students and the broader community.”
This 3-week summer intensive was funded by the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) NIFA grant from the United States Department of Agriculture awarded to PI, Dr. Preethi Radhakrishnan. Congratulations to the organizing and curriculum team, Dr. Nicolle Fernandes, Dr. Holly Porter-Morgan, Dr. Preethi Radhakrishnan, Guin Ellsworth (Variety Boys and Girls Club), Maya Stansberry, Aster Setiadi and Hannah Luna (NY Sunworks) who made this year’s Project SEMBRAR a wonderful success.
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
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