Buena Park Middle School Builds New Ag Center for Thriving Future Farmers of America Program

Made possible in part by the Orange County Power Authority Bright Futures Grant

Proudly wearing their officer jackets, student leaders from Buena Park Middle School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program gave a tour of their new Ag Center. Recently completed with the support of a Bright Futures Grant from Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), the middle school has transformed a patch of grass into a flourishing natural space for skill development, leadership building and community health. Since Buena Park is an urban city without farmland, the Ag Center has made it possible for the school to meet FFA requirements, while connecting more than 200 students to the process of growing food and fostering health, wellness and a sustainable mindset that extends into the community.

Shelley Andros teaches the FFA program and has dreamt of a space incorporating sustainable tools for students to develop an understanding of environmental stewardship, renewable energy and sustainable farming technologies. Thanks to support from OCPA’s grant program, Andros has seen that dream become a reality.

Today, the Ag Center includes a solar powered irrigation system that students installed themselves and actively maintain. It uses drip irrigation technology while minimizing water waste. Another innovative improvement is the chicken coop with a photosensitive, solar-powered door that opens and closes automatically to keep the chickens safe at night. These hands-on learning experiences have not only taught students farming practices, but also how to increase the use of cleaner energy sources and engage with renewable energy technology.

A perimeter of pollinator friendly flowers frames the Ag Center where students have rows and raised beds for growing crops including broccoli, glass corn, pumpkins, and herbs. The Bright Futures  Grant also supported the installation of a water sink and workstation to wash and prepare the harvested produce. What Avalos calls “the heart of the garden,” is an outdoor learning space with tables painted by art students for events that foster a sense of community and shared purpose.

Beyond environmental benefits, the FFA program aims to enhance nutritional education and community health. Culinary students learn to prepare nutritious meals using fresh produce grown by FFA students with simple recipes they can share with their own families.

“They are learning about foods they would have never had before. I cooked up some broccoli rappini with garlic, red pepper and olive oil, and they loved it,” said Principal Jay Beckelheimer. “They love having the lettuce with Tajín and lemon – what a great way to get your minerals.”

With an appreciation for the organic process of growing food, the FFA students are also living the values of service and community. FFA student leaders volunteer 10 hours per semester in the garden, and many from the larger class volunteer at the community farmer’s market that gives produce and other goods to local families. Through propagation, the school has also been growing starter plants for a larger farm in the area and giving them to elementary schools for planting in their community gardens. Elementary students also visit the Ag Center for educational programs led by the middle schoolers.

“For many of our students in the urban city, this is one of the only green spaces they have,” said Beckelheimer, “Central to health and wellness, the outdoor area has become a sacred space that is inspiring to our student body. It has provided a place of tranquility for the school and counselors use it as a place to meet with students.”

“It was inspiring to visit the Buena Park Middle School FFA program and hear from the students involved, who were beaming with pride about the Ag Center and sharing what it means to them,”  said Susan Sonne, Board Chair of Orange County Power Authority. “Beyond learning sustainable practices and using renewable energy, these students are learning practical skills for future careers like leadership and community engagement. Supporting local programs is central to our mission at Orange County Power Authority. We are proud as a not-for-profit to reinvest in our communities through initiatives that contribute to a brighter future.”

By combining renewable energy practices with hands-on agricultural experiences and career-ready skills, the FFA program is preparing students to be leaders in sustainable agriculture while promoting the health and well-being of future generations.

For more information about OCPA’s community grants, visit https://www.ocpower.org/energy-programs/community-grants/. 

About Orange County Power Authority

The Orange County Power Authority is a not-for-profit public agency that offers clean power at competitive rates, significantly reducing energy-related greenhouse emissions and enabling reinvestment in local energy programs. To learn more, visit www.ocpower.org.