{"id":2122,"date":"2026-10-14T15:35:36","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T19:35:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/?page_id=2122"},"modified":"2026-10-14T16:00:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T20:00:41","slug":"ag-innovation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/about-us\/ag-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"Ag Innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Explore the Arms of the Farm<\/h2>\n

Discover the programs and initiatives that connect agriculture, education, innovation, and community at Fox Chase Farm.<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_separator border_width=”8px” accent_color=”#007301″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3084″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Ag Empowerment” color=”#036814″]\n

Ag Empowerment engages students and educators in immersive, hands-on agricultural learning experiences that extend classroom instruction into real-world environments. Teachers from across the School District are trained to teach directly on the farm, positioning Fox Chase Farm as a true extension of the classroom\u2014a living laboratory where science, environmental education, nutrition, and career exploration come to life. Through district-aligned professional learning and experiential instruction, Ag Empowerment builds educator confidence, student curiosity, and meaningful connections between academic standards and the food systems that sustain our communities.<\/p>\n[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3092″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Ag Innovation Academy” color=”#005A22″]The Ag Innovation Academy is a selective, cohort-based professional learning program for educators committed to advancing rigorous, innovative agriculture education. Participating teachers work in focused cohorts, supported by Fox Chase Farm, to design, test, and refine high-impact instructional models that integrate agriculture, sustainability, technology, and career-connected learning. As educators deepen their practice, they have the opportunity to advance into Senior Fellow roles\u2014expanding leadership capacity, strengthening instructional rigor, and mentoring peers. This model ensures sustained innovation by investing deeply in a core group of educators and providing the support necessary to scale excellence across the district.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3095″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Controlled Environmental Ag” color=”#006812″]Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in our schools is a transformative strategy designed to address food insecurity, workforce development, and economic opportunity\u2014starting in the neighborhoods that need it most. By situating CEA programs directly within schools located in the city\u2019s most food-insecure communities, students gain hands-on access to advanced food production systems while producing fresh, local fruits and vegetables year-round.<\/p>\n

These school-based CEA sites serve as workforce development hubs, creating clear pipelines into careers in agriculture, food systems, building trades, technology, and business. Students engage in every stage of the operation\u2014from construction and system maintenance (including electrical and plumbing), to crop production, food safety, distribution, and sales\u2014ensuring the experience is practical, credential-aligned, and adaptable to individual interests and strengths.<\/p>\n

The food grown through these programs directly supports school meals, increasing access to fresh, nutritious produce for students and families. Surplus production fuels student-led farm markets, supports local food banks, and enters the wholesale and restaurant market\u2014allowing students to learn real-world business operations while generating earned revenue. This diversified distribution model ensures sustainability while reinforcing lessons in entrepreneurship, supply chains, and community impact.<\/p>\n

CEA in schools moves beyond education alone\u2014it becomes a locally rooted economic engine. By aligning workforce pipelines, food access, and market participation, the program strengthens neighborhood food systems, builds career-ready talent, and drives long-term economic development\u2014proving that schools can be powerful anchors for both learning and community resilience.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3102″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”School Field Trips” color=”#005309″]Fox Chase Farm School Field Trips offer immersive, standards-aligned learning experiences that bring curriculum to life through hands-on exploration. Students engage directly with agriculture, animals, environmental science, and food systems\u2014transforming abstract concepts into memorable, real-world learning. Designed for all grade levels, these experiences foster curiosity, critical thinking, and early career awareness, reinforcing the farm as an extension of the classroom and a powerful educational destination.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3110″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Internship Programs” color=”#006115″]Fox Chase Farm Internship Programs provide students with immersive, paid, real-world learning experiences both on the farm and through partner organizations across the region. These internships are intentionally designed to meet students where they are\u2014adapting roles to individual interests, strengths, and career goals across agriculture, environmental science, food systems, business, and the skilled trades. On-site internships allow students to engage in daily farm operations, education programs, and production systems, while off-site placements connect students to industry partners, higher education, and workforce pathways beyond the farm. Together, these experiences build professional skills, confidence, and career clarity\u2014preparing students to transition seamlessly into employment, postsecondary education, or advanced training.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3115″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Community Engagement” color=”#006C2F”]Community Engagement Programs and Weekend Events invite families, neighbors, and partners onto the farm to connect, learn, and celebrate agriculture together. From seasonal festivals and educational workshops to volunteer days and special events, these programs strengthen community ties while increasing awareness of food systems, sustainability, and local agriculture. By opening the farm to the public, Fox Chase Farm becomes a shared community asset\u2014fostering pride, participation, and a deeper connection between people, food, and place.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3121″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Equine Therapy” color=”#005C0F”]Equine Therapy at Fox Chase Farm harnesses the unique human\u2013animal connection to support student well-being, social-emotional learning, and personal growth. Through guided, therapeutic interactions with horses, students build confidence, emotional regulation, communication skills, and trust\u2014within a calm, outdoor environment that promotes healing and reflection. The program is intentionally designed to support social emotional learners and students facing emotional or behavioral challenges, demonstrating how agriculture and animal-assisted experiences can play a powerful role in education, wellness, and whole-child development.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3126″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Market Franchise” color=”#01610C”]Franchise Farmers Markets expand the Fox Chase Farm model beyond the farm gates\u2014empowering students and schools to operate satellite markets across the district and city. These markets create scalable, student-led enterprises that build workforce skills, generate earned revenue, and increase access to fresh food in underserved communities. By replicating a proven model, Franchise Farmers Markets turn agriculture education into a distributed economic opportunity\u2014strengthening local food systems while preparing students for leadership in business, agriculture, and community development.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3131″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Flagship Farm Market” color=”#006C0C”]The Fox Chase Farm Farmers Markets and Farm Store operate as student-supported, community-centered retail spaces that bring fresh, locally grown food directly to the public. These markets provide hands-on learning in food production, food safety, customer service, inventory management, and entrepreneurship\u2014while increasing access to nutritious foods for surrounding neighborhoods. More than a place to shop, the Farm Store is a living classroom where students learn how local agriculture supports health, community, and a resilient local economy.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3135″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Green Careers” color=”#00612A”]Green Careers in Schools embeds agriculture, sustainability, and environmental career pathways directly into school communities\u2014particularly in schools such as Ethel Allen and Crossroads that serve students with diverse learning and support needs. Through hands-on experiences in growing, environmental stewardship, and food systems, students explore meaningful, attainable career options while developing transferable skills in responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving. By meeting students where they are and adapting learning to individual strengths, Green Careers affirms that sustainability and agriculture offer inclusive, future-focused career opportunities for every learner.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3138″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Outreach Education Programs” color=”#034800″]Outreach Agriculture Education Programs extend Fox Chase Farm\u2019s impact beyond the farm by bringing agriculture education directly into schools, classrooms, and community settings. Through tailored lessons, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, these programs connect students to food systems, sustainability, and career pathways\u2014meeting learners where they are. Outreach ensures that agriculture education is accessible, inclusive, and embedded across the district, regardless of location or resources.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3143″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”GAIN” color=”#005C10″]The Global Agriculture Innovation Network (GAIN) connects Fox Chase Farm, educators, students, and partners to a broader ecosystem of agricultural innovation, research, and global best practices. GAIN serves as a platform for collaboration across education, industry, and community\u2014spotlighting emerging technologies, sustainable food systems, and future workforce trends. Through partnerships, knowledge exchange, and real-world applications, GAIN expands student and educator perspectives beyond the local landscape, positioning agriculture as a globally connected, innovation-driven field with limitless opportunity.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”3151″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Helping Hands” color=”#003C11″]The Helping Hands Program intentionally welcomes Special Education and Diverse Learners into meaningful, real-world experiences in agriculture\u2014creating inclusive pathways where every learner can contribute, grow, and succeed. Agriculture uniquely lends itself to all ages, abilities, and learning styles, offering hands-on, sensory-rich, and purpose-driven experiences that build confidence, independence, and transferable life skills. Through structured, supportive engagement on the farm, students participate in authentic agricultural tasks that reinforce communication, problem-solving, responsibility, and workplace readiness. Helping Hands affirms that agriculture is for everyone\u2014adapting to the learner, honoring individual strengths, and opening doors to lifelong learning, employment, and community connection.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”3155″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Maple Leaf Cafe” color=”#095101″]The Maple Leaf Caf\u00e9 is a student-led food and beverage enterprise that transforms farm-grown products into real-world culinary and business experiences. Operated as a living classroom, the Caf\u00e9 immerses students in menu development, food safety, customer service, branding, marketing, and financial management\u2014while emphasizing nutrition, sustainability, and local sourcing. By connecting production on the farm to preparation and service, the Maple Leaf Caf\u00e9 provides students with hands-on exposure to careers in culinary arts, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. More than a caf\u00e9, it is a model for how education, food access, and workforce development can come together to create meaningful, student-driven opportunities.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”3162″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Workforce Development” color=”#015101″]Fox Chase Farm supports workforce development by connecting students to hands-on learning experiences, industry-relevant skills, and emerging career pathways in agriculture, food systems, sustainability, and agricultural technology. Through experiential education, career exploration, and exposure to real-world agricultural practices, the Farm helps students build foundational knowledge, develop practical competencies, and explore opportunities within the evolving agricultural workforce. This approach strengthens connections between education and industry while preparing the next generation for careers in agriculture and related fields.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator border_width=”4px” accent_color=”#03752F”][vc_column_text]\n

Agricultural Education<\/h4>\n

Connecting students with hands-on agricultural learning experiences that bring classroom concepts to life.<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Explore the Arms of the Farm Discover the programs and initiatives that connect agriculture, education, innovation, and community at Fox Chase Farm. [\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_separator border_width=”8px” accent_color=”#007301″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3084″ alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Ag Empowerment” color=”#036814″] Ag Empowerment engages students and educators in immersive, hands-on agricultural learning experiences that extend classroom instruction into real-world environments. Teachers from across the… <\/p>\n

Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1637,"featured_media":2141,"parent":41,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2122","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2122","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1637"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2122"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2122\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3186,"href":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2122\/revisions\/3186"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/41"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2141"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.philasd.org\/foxchasefarm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2122"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}