During School Program
What we do
Our during-school program serves all students in grades PreK-5 weekly at our core elementary schools. The program supports curiosity, STEM learning, teamwork, and nutritional health. Each class works together to plan, plant, and tend its own garden throughout the year. The garden also serves as the inspiration for class projects and experiments, which are guided by students’ questions and interests. Lessons align with OK science standards, and our Garden Educators work with classroom teachers to enhance each school’s science curriculum. Students taste and cook with garden produce, and each class has at least one seed-to-plate experience each year.
Impact
When students eat food they have grown themselves, it supports healthy eating habits and nutrition in the years to come. It also brings the works they do in the classroom into the real world, showing them real-time applications of lessons learned. It gives students a more well-rounded education helping them succeed in life.
After School Program
What we do
Our free after-school program serves students in grades 3-6 for 2-4 hours weekly from September through May. The program is focused on student-led inquiry and empowerment. Students earn and cultivate their own gardens while also engaging in discussion, journaling, self-reflection, cooking, creative activities, and community projects. Students set group expectations and, when conflicts arise, use a “peace table” to resolve them respectfully.
Impact
This creates a sense of ownership and pride in their garden. Teachers and students spend more time together and focus on goal setting, self-expression, interpersonal skills, and community engagement. The community this program creates for children is as important as the knowledge for many of our students.
Summer Camp
What we do
Each summer, Global Gardens provides short-term programming for students across Tulsa, in partnership with schools and other community organizations. Offerings include free weeklong camps and summer school enrichment. Students explore the garden ecosystem, complete projects and experiments, harvest food, cook together, and engage in creative activities.
Impact
With the focus placed on students developing an increased understanding of their relationship to the garden and food cycle, “campers” also learn how gardening creates community. The advantage of our summer camps is the opportunity for the campers to share their experiences and creations with their families for meals!
Family Food Farms
What we do
Global Gardens’ family food farm program brings families and community members together weekly year-round to garden, cook healthy meals, spend peaceful family time, and build community. Each family receives its own garden plot and supplies, and families work together to cultivate shared plots. At each gathering, participants cook and share a plant-based meal featuring garden produce.
Impact
We believe real change can happen in the lives of students when they integrate what they learn at Global Gardens with their home lives. Familial bonds are strengthened when families work together for a common purpose. Global Gardens believes creating a garden together serves as the dual role of strengthening families and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Global Gardens Alliance
What we do
Through our Global Gardens Alliance program, we offer seed-to-plate experiences and garden-focused science lessons for schools and partners that want support in using the garden for learning purposes. We also offer consultation and teacher training on peace education, inquiry-based learning, gardening and cooking with students, STEM in the garden, garden construction, and more. Alliance member sites pay an annual fee that guarantees at least 2 hours per month of customized assistance through the school year.
Impact
Alliance membership is open to any school in the Tulsa area, depending on capacity. We currently have six Allied sites, and we are planning for growth. Fundraising support and matching assistance may be available for qualifying schools. For more information about becoming an Alliance partner during an upcoming school year, please contact us below.
Community Outreach
What we do
Global Gardens’ community outreach team is available to partner with local schools, groups, and organizations by participating in local garden-related events, hosting field trips for school groups, giving educational presentations, conducting workshops and trainings on a variety of topics, and delivering short-term educational programs for children and families.
Impact
Some services may be priced by the hour. To connect with us about an outreach opportunity, please use the form below.