Compost Connectors at Lovin Elementary School in Gwinnett County after delivering cafeteria food scraps to the compost bin.
Connecting Students to Urban Agriculture Through Healthy Soil
Compost Connectors is an innovative program in partnership with Booker T. Washington High School, M. Agnes Jones Elementary School, Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture, Marietta City Schools, Gwinnett County Public Schools and Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful.
When students participate in composting and urban agriculture, they experience the life-changing resiliency that comes with producing their own healthy food. Through Compost Connectors, we are providing students with levels of engagement that will shape them into compost and local food ambassadors.
Incorporating IB, STEAM and STEM-based curricula, participating students are coming to understand their role in building healthier communities by interacting with each phase of the cycle: Collecting and delivering food waste to compost bins; transferring compostable materials through bins to make compost; incorporating finished compost into beds to increase nutrients in soil; tending plants as they grow; harvesting, preparing and enjoying the produce they have grown.
Booker T. Washington High School Compost Connectors in Atlanta earn competitive salaries as paid interns. Many, like Harmoni (right), have expressed a desire to pursue careers in agriculture.
Marietta Middle School students deliver cafeteria fruit and vegetable scraps to the compost tumbler at their school garden.
Participating Schools
Baggett Elementary School
Booker T. Washington High School
Discovery High School
Harbins Elementary School
Hopkins Elementary School
Lilburn Elementary School
Lockhead Elementary School
Lovin Elementary School
M. Agnes Jones Elementary School
Marietta Middle School
McKendree Elementary School
Minor Elementary School
Sycamore Elementary School
Compost Connectors In the News
Program Partners & Supporters
