F&M senior Moana Franco spent her summer working with The Edible Classroom, a Lancaster-based nonprofit that partners with schools and communities to create educational gardens. Franco worked as an educator at one of The Edible Classroom's summer camps, an experience she described as "truly magical."

"It was a joy to see students' growth, and how their relationships with food, the environment, and the world around them changed," she said.

Franco, an environmental studies and public policy joint major, landed the role with The Edible Classroom through F&M's Public Service Summer Institute, a program that connects students with paid opportunities at local nonprofits or government organizations. 

The opportunity to take what she learned from the classroom into the community was exactly what Franco had hoped for when she decided to attend F&M.

"I was trying to find a place where I could explore and gain new perspectives," Franco said. "The liberal arts education at F&M has helped me discover my passions and is leading me to a career path that not only brings me fulfillment but also sparks positive change."

Read more about her experience below.

As a garden camp educator, Franco taught students about biology, environmental stewardship, gardening and sustainable cooking. Photo courtesy of Moana Franco.

The Edible Classroom partners with local schools and nonprofits to establish and maintain educational gardens that help communities connect with nutritious foods, spend time outdoors, and practice mindfulness. Photo courtesy of Moana Franco.

Franco said she was drawn to the Public Service Summer Institute's focus on important issues, such as environmental justice. Photo courtesy of Moana Franco.

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Describe your summer experience—what did a typical day look like?

This summer, I got the opportunity to work with The Edible Classroom (TEC) through the Public Service Summer Institute (PSSI) program. TEC is a nonprofit organization in Lancaster dedicated to partnering with local schools to establish and maintain educational gardens. These gardens offer accessible opportunities for children, families, and communities to connect with nutritious foods, engage in outdoor activities and practice mindfulness.

As a garden camp educator, I assisted TEC in teaching students from preschool through fifth grade on a variety of topics, including biology, environmental stewardship, gardening and sustainable cooking. One of the highlights was making fresh, healthy recipes using ingredients we harvested from the garden. It was incredibly rewarding to see the students’ excitement as they harvested, tasted, and learned about the benefits of the produce they helped grow.

What inspired you to pursue this experience?

During my time at F&M, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with the Ware Institute for Civic Engagement, where I became familiar with the incredible team, and the PSSI program. I had friends who participated in PSSI the previous summer, and they spoke highly of their experiences, which made me eager to apply. I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to understand more about running a nonprofit organization, connect more closely with the Lancaster community, and meet new individuals.

What particularly drew me to PSSI was the program’s thoughtful structure, especially its focus on important issues. This year, we concentrated on environmental justice, and as part of the PSSI cohort, had the privilege of connecting with local leaders dedicated to addressing key social challenges within the community. My summer experience was motivating and gave me energy and time to learn more about my passions, including social engagement, service learning, and intersectional sustainability.

What skills have you been able to learn or practice through this experience?

From the very first day of the program, I knew it would be a summer full of learning and growth. I discovered effective ways to share information and lead meaningful activities, helping the students build stronger connections with their peers and the environment. Additionally, I was able to practice valuable leadership and professional skills when collaborating with the TEC team to develop educational lessons and activities. I’m beyond grateful to have worked with such a supportive and welcoming team. It was truly inspiring to work with people who are passionate about the same things and whose values align with mine. 

What have you enjoyed most about spending time in Lancaster this summer?

This was my first summer in Lancaster, and I was very excited to explore the area from a new perspective. I enjoyed connecting with individuals from the community, visiting downtown spots with friends and riding my bike around the city!