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DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County’s Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, in partnership with the DeKalb County Human Services Department and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, this week announced the official launch of the E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm Entrepreneurship Program, a $1.4 million project.
The Education, Market, Botanicals, Agriculture, and Botanicals and Recreation Center ( E.M.B.A.R.C) is located at the former 50-acre Bransby Outdoor YMCA at 1185 Rock Chapel Road in unincorporated Lithonia. Phase I funding consists of contributions, including $98,500 from Commissioner Cochran-Johnson’s District 7 discretionary funds, a $225,500 allocation from the county’s Hotel-Motel Tax Fund and over a $600,000 commitment from the county.
“I am thrilled to finally roll out the program,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “We must provide structured programs and meaningful experiences for our youth that elevate their capacity and foster critical skills. The E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm Entrepreneurship Program is a model program that carries the next generation towards a sustainable future that encourages farming, healthy living, and provides bankable entrepreneurial skills. DeKalb residents should be proud of this program. It is one step towards much-needed and expanded youth programming.”
Several activities have been held this month to expose students to farming including a Volunteer Garden Day and Nature Play for Kids. On today, Feb. 24, E.M.B.A.R.C. will host its Arbor Day Tree Planting in partnership with Trees Atlanta. Students will learn how to plant a tree properly and go over the basics of tree identification.
The groundbreaking program is aimed at equipping students with education and knowledge in urban farming, sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.The youth farm will include the following:
- State-of-the-art greenhouse
- Country store
- Hen house
- Organic compost station
- Interactive bee and honey station
- Structured youth entrepreneurship training
- Junior Achievement model of shareholder participation
- Environmental and sustainable stewardship education
The youth farm also will encompass multiple trails, and include activities such as rock climbing, zip lining and Kayaking.
The Entrepreneurship Program is open to students ages 15-18 who are enrolled in a DeKalb County High School during the 2023-2024 school year. Participants will gain practical experience in sustainable farming, develop entrepreneurial skills, foster leadership qualities, and contribute to building a more environmentally conscious community.
The Entrepreneurship Program allows participants to become educated in different farming modules and six teaching models based on a curriculum developed specifically for this program. Through workshops, mentorship, and real-life business simulations, students will also develop a solid understanding of business fundamentals, marketing strategies, financial planning and the art of effective communication.
For more information on The E.M.B.A.R.C., email Jennifer Manigo at jlmanigo@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 470-547-2696.