GROWING
FORWARD
TOGETHER
Building stronger communities through literacy, service, agriculture, innovation, and opportunity — for every generation.
Our Communities Face
Shared Challenges
These challenges are connected. When we solve one, we help solve them all.
Literacy Gaps
Millions of children and adults struggle to read at grade level, limiting their future opportunities.
Food Insecurity
1 in 7 Americans doesn't have reliable access to enough nutritious food to live an active, healthy life.
Workforce Shortages
- Skilled trades & technical workers (electricians, welders, HVAC technicians)
- Healthcare workers (nurses, medical technicians, home health aides)
- Agricultural & food production workers (farm operators, ag-tech specialists)
Community Disconnection
Neighbors don't know each other. Generations don't talk. Communities feel isolated and divided.
Limited Career Pathways
Many young people never see the full range of careers available — especially in agriculture and trades.
Declining Civic Participation
Fewer people vote, volunteer, or engage in their communities — weakening our democracy.
Understanding the Root Causes
The issue is not a lack of potential. The issue is often a lack of coordinated opportunity.
- Reading proficiency gaps limit future learning and career options
- Learning access challenges mean not every child gets the same quality education
- Limited real-world learning opportunities disconnect school from life
Learn. Serve. Innovate.
Every student follows a pathway from discovery to leadership — building skills, confidence, and community along the way.
Grades 1–5
Elementary
Learning Through Discovery
Farm visits, classroom gardens, reading in nature, and family engagement events spark curiosity and community connection.
Grades 6–8
Middle School
Learning Through Collaboration
Farm partnerships, innovation challenges, and three-grade capstone teams build leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Grades 9–12
High School
Learning Through Service
Nonprofit volunteering, career mentoring, and four-grade capstone projects prepare students for civic life and careers.
Grades 1–5
Learning Through Discovery
Activities
- Farm visits and classroom gardens
- Reading in the Garden
- Seasonal learning activities
- Student-led conversations
- Family engagement events
Outcomes
- Reading growth
- Curiosity and wonder
- Community connection
- Environmental awareness
Grades 6–8
Learning Through Collaboration
Activities
- Farm partnerships
- Community service projects
- Three-grade Capstone Teams
- Innovation Challenges
- Food security and sustainability projects
Outcomes
- Leadership skills
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
Grades 9–12
Learning Through Service
Activities
- Nonprofit volunteering
- Workforce exploration
- Community leadership projects
- Four-grade Capstone Teams
- Career mentoring
Outcomes
- Career readiness
- Civic responsibility
- Public speaking
- Project management
Every Generation Has
Something to Teach
When generations work together, everyone learns. Mentors share wisdom. Students bring fresh energy. Communities grow stronger.
Gen Alpha
Born 2013+
Gen Z
Born 1997–2012
Millennials
Born 1981–1996
Gen X
Born 1965–1980
Baby Boomers
Born 1946–1964
Senior Leaders
Community Elders
Farmers
Educators
Veterans
Trades Professionals
Business Leaders
Community Advocates
Strengthening Communities
Through Food
When people have access to fresh, nutritious food, everything improves — health, learning, and community pride.
The Future of Farming
Modern agriculture is high-tech, high-demand, and full of opportunity. These are the careers of tomorrow.
Robotics
Artificial Intelligence
Drones
Engineering
Data Analytics
Environmental Science
Measuring Progress Together
Real numbers. Real impact. Updated as our community grows.
0%
Children Below Grade-Level Reading
NAEP 2025: 68% of 4th graders read below proficiency — the largest recorded gap in 30 years
NCES / Nation's Report Card, 2025
0.0%
Food-Insecure Households
13.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2023 — approximately 47 million people
USDA ERS, Household Food Security Report, 2024
0+
Ag Jobs Unfilled Annually
57,900 ag, food & natural resource jobs go unfilled each year
USDA / Purdue University Labor Demand Study, 2025
0+
Youth Not in School or Work
4.7 million youth ages 16–24 are disconnected from school and work
Measure of America / Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2025
0%
Rural Counties Lack Healthcare
80% of rural U.S. counties are designated healthcare shortage areas
HRSA Health Workforce Shortage Areas, FY2026
0+
Skilled Trades Jobs Unfilled
Over 500,000 skilled trades positions remain unfilled nationwide
U.S. Chamber of Commerce / JOLTS, BLS 2025
0+
Students in High-Poverty Schools
24 million students attend high-poverty public schools
NCES Common Core of Data, 2024–25
0%
Mentored Youth More Likely to Enroll in College
Mentored youth are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 78% more likely to volunteer regularly
MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, 2024
0+
Farm-to-School Programs Nationwide
42,000+ schools participate in farm-to-school programs
USDA Farm to School Census, 2023–24
Why This Works
This program is built on decades of peer-reviewed research. Here's what the science says.
Service Learning
Students in service-learning programs show higher academic achievement, stronger civic engagement, and better social skills.
Billig, S.H. (2000). Research on K–12 school-based service learning. Phi Delta Kappan, 81(9), 658–664.
Project-Based Learning
PBL students outperform peers on standardized tests and demonstrate deeper understanding of content.
Krajcik, J. & Shin, N. (2014). Project-Based Learning. Cambridge Handbook of the Learning Sciences.
Civic Engagement
Youth who participate in civic programs are more likely to vote, volunteer, and engage in their communities as adults.
CIRCLE (2021). Youth Civic Engagement and Voting. Tufts University.
Agricultural Education
School garden programs improve nutrition knowledge, increase vegetable consumption, and boost science achievement scores.
Berezowitz, C.K., Bontrager Yoder, A.B., & Schoeller, D.A. (2015). School gardens enhance academic performance and dietary outcomes in children. Journal of School Health, 85(8), 508–518.
Intergenerational Mentorship
Youth with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities.
MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership (2024). The Mentoring Effect: Young People's Perspectives on the Outcomes and Availability of Mentoring.
Food Security Programs
Farm-to-school programs increase fruit and vegetable consumption and improve student academic performance. Over 42,000 schools now participate nationwide.
USDA Farm to School Census (2023–24). National Farm to School Network. usda.gov/farmtoschool
Designed for Every Learner
Every person deserves access to this program — regardless of ability, language, or background.
Closed Captions
All videos include accurate closed captions
Audio Narration
Audio descriptions for all visual content
Dyslexia-Friendly Fonts
Readable fonts and generous line spacing
Screen Reader Compatible
Full ARIA support for assistive technology
High Contrast Mode
Toggle for users with visual impairments
Multi-Language Support
Content available in multiple languages
Sign Language Options
ASL video options for key content
ADA Compliant
Meets WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards
THE PLAN — Building Stronger Communities Together
Growing Forward Together · A Culture of Service
THE PLAN — Building Stronger Communities Together
Growing Forward Together · A Culture of Service
This video meets WCAG 2.1 AA and ADA Section 508 standards. Captions embedded · Full transcript available · Keyboard accessible · No flashing effects.
"When we learn together, grow together, and lead together — anything is possible."
Be Part of the Solution
There's a role for everyone. Choose how you want to make a difference.
"Together, we can grow stronger communities, expand opportunity, improve literacy, strengthen food security, and build a brighter future for generations to come."
Forward Together America — Integrity • Trust • Loyalty