A team of students at Fairmont State University, led by CPASS grad Dr. Amy Sidwell, was one of ten nationwide winners of the 2014 Ford Community College Challenge. The students’ plan, titled ‘Bridging the Gap: Sustainable Nutrition through Community Revitalization,” stems from sharing knowledge and creating a partnership between Fairmont State University, advisors and the community.
Each winning team was awarded a grant of $25,000 to support their work. The Bridging the Gap project reclaimed tennis courts that were no longer in use and turned them into the Fairmont Community Garden. Dr. Amy Sidwell, assistant professor, Health and Physical Education, FSU, created the project along with her students.
“The Ford College Community Challenge at Fairmont State University has provided our students the opportunity to develop skills that are important for employment. Two of our Community Health Education graduates have highlighted their work with the Fairmont Community Garden as they have applied and interviewed for jobs since graduating in May,” Sidwell explained.
Along with the positive effect this project has had on both the community and the environment, Bridging the Gap has provided numerous educational opportunities to not only the FSU students involved but the entire community as well. “Students from the College of Science and Technology have learned how a community-based problem needs clear collaboration, design, and construction. While these two academic disciplines may seem different, students learn how to reach out to different stakeholders to address community needs. Those skills will serve them well as they seek employment,” stated Sidwell.
The project focused on impacting three areas: the construction of a bridge connecting the garden to the 5th street Park, an increase in fresh produce accessibility and also hands-on learning experience for the FSU students. All of these areas have been successfully completed. The project will continue to grow and help the community in various ways.
“There are a vast number of community gardens within the state of West Virginia, and throughout the country. What makes our project unique is that our project involves college students taking a leadership role in sustainability,” Sidwell stated.