OP volunteers dig in for Oakland school
May 25, 2015 •
UCOP volunteers, left to right: Tracy Richmond-McKnight, Venice Tamplin, Andrea Simpson, Michael Kisgen, Janika McFeely, Erin Marnocha, Robert Judd, Charleen Mininfield, Teresa Jackson, and Kay Coelho
Ten UCOP staff members descended on Brookfield Elementary School in Oakland on May 15 to build planting boxes for a new garden.
The event, hosted by the UC Oakland Partnership, brought a community garden to Brookfield, the only elementary school in the Oakland Unified School District without one. The OUSD School-Based Garden Education Program seeks to provide urban children with access to healthy and locally produced food, an understanding of food systems and the natural cycle, and a project-based learning alternative to testing-based instruction. The hands-on experience offers character-building opportunities and gives students a sense of connection to their local community.
The UC Oakland Partnership outreach project strengthens ties between OP and the community by supporting local businesses and civic organizations and awarding scholarships to Oakland high school students planning to enroll at a UC campus.
Congratulations and thanks for your community service!