A Pipeline of environmental science learning and opportunities
The initial H.O.M.E. programs have targeted two neighborhoods in inner city Annapolis with K-16 outdoor learning, environmental literacy and community engagement. One neighborhood has a predominately African American population while the second is Hispanic. The programming out of school time utilizes active van transportation to take the students to the Mt. Olive Life Community Center, to a private school campus, the Key School of Annapolis, and to fieldwork activities and green jobs. Within the target communities are elementary schools, and potential dedicated student green pathways. Continuous engagement programs are also offered for the feeder middle, high school and post graduate populations ensuring a “pipeline” of four programs.
Four programs have already affected BYMOC as well as set up the challenge of scaling and installing H.O.M.E. into the culture of targeted inner city youth and neighborhoods.
L.E.A.P. = Learning Exploring Afterschool Program (grades K-5)
LEAP (Learning & Exploring After-School Program (K-5) accelerates learning by inspiring youth through direct instruction (basic skills), socio-emotional learning (field experiences) and computer assisted instruction.
JR. WATERSHED STEWARDS
Middle School and High School for Service Learning Credit
The Jr. Watersheds’ Program (6-9) features a community teacher leading LEAP volunteers, READY students, and community experts in STREAM programming. (Science, Technology, Research, Environment, Arts and Mathematics)
READY PROGRAM
Grades 9-16 Environmental Stewards .
The READY Program (9-12) is a scholarship summer high school classroom and field course designed to address field restoration projects in Anne Arundel County. Classwork includes job training in conservation landscaping, leadership, conflict resolution, and culturally relevant environmental legacy learning.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISES
Watershed stewards prisoner reentry jobs program. (future program).
The Social Enterprise is a jobs program addressing year-round restoration needs across Anne Arundel County. This “year-round” workforce features worker feeds from both the READY Program and with funding create a Re-Entry Program for ex-offenders.