Multiyear Strategic Roadmap
A groundbreaking roadmap for the future of agricultural education — propelling the School District of Philadelphia toward a greener, more sustainable future.
The Future of Agricultural Education
Fox Chase Farm is building a citywide model for agricultural innovation, sustainability education, and workforce development. By connecting classrooms, communities, and industry partners, we are preparing students to lead the future of food, agriculture, technology, and environmental stewardship.
As the School District of Philadelphia's Agricultural Innovation Hub, the farm serves as both a working educational farm and a launch point for programs reaching schools across the city — aligning with the objectives of Accelerate Philly, the district's strategic plan.
Four Pillars Driving the Work
Each priority connects directly to programs already growing at Fox Chase Farm — explore them on the Programs page.
Emerging Ag Technology
Develop and showcase Controlled Environment Agriculture, hydroponics and indoor farming, automation, and AI- and data-driven agriculture education.
Explore programsA Seamless Learning Journey
Create a continuous agricultural pathway from elementary through high school spanning sustainability, food systems, environmental science, CTE, and college and workforce pathways.
Explore programsReal-World Experience
Provide internships, pre-apprenticeships, industry certifications, dual enrollment, and entrepreneurship experiences that connect students to careers.
Explore programsA Regional Destination
Serve Philadelphia families through public events, agricultural demonstrations, environmental education, partnerships, and food access initiatives.
Explore programsA Phased Path to Lasting Impact
A multi-phase strategy that begins with foundational planning and pilots, expands to full district-wide launch, and matures into long-term sustainability — each phase building on the last.
Planning, Fundraising & Pilot Implementation
Establish the framework and goals on-farm and in-schools, develop curriculum with partners, pilot programs with a focused group of students, and launch a capital fundraising strategy.
- Enhance on-farm engagement with new stations and reimagined tours and lessons
- Integrate advanced animal and plant technologies and broadcast farm content to schools
- Co-develop an interdisciplinary K-12 curriculum with educators and industry experts
- Pilot CEA and Indoor Farming in the Kensington area and partner schools
- Launch the AGAS (Ag as a Service) model and fundraising campaigns, including the Ag Innovation Summit
Full Implementation & Expansion
Fully implement Ag Innovation programming across the district, build research and evaluation mechanisms, plan Manatawna Farm, and strengthen community and industry partnerships.
- Launch district-wide, pathway-connected K-12 programming
- Build data collection, action research, and long-term reporting
- Create the operational and educational plan for Manatawna Farm
- Deepen partnerships with community, corporate, and industry stakeholders
- Strengthen fundraising to sustain expanded staffing and programs
Sustainability, Scaling & Manatawna Farm
Ensure long-term sustainability, replicate the model in other schools and districts, continuously improve, and develop a dedicated transportation division for the farms.
- Develop long-term financial sustainability through grants, partnerships, and community support
- Create a replicable model to scale across schools and districts
- Continuously update curriculum with the latest agricultural innovation
- Sustain professional development for educators
- Develop a transportation division to expand access to on-farm experiences
What Success Looks Like
Short-Term Outcomes
- Upgrade farm capabilities with the latest technologies to increase student engagement
- Improve cross-curricular connections through K-12 curriculum development
- Foster immediate skill application through CEA and Indoor Farming pilot programs
- Develop strategic planning and systematic data collection
- Establish fundraising capabilities and employer, industry, and foundation partnerships
Long-Term Vision
- Sustain and expand Ag Innovation across the School District of Philadelphia
- Develop the first comprehensive K-12 agricultural curriculum for all learning levels
- Empower students with pre-apprenticeship and entrepreneurship skills
- Generate a skilled workforce to meet local and national demand
- Reimagine Manatawna Farm and establish a dedicated transportation fleet
- Sustain long-term corporate and foundation support for the hub-and-spoke strategy
From Vision to Execution
See how the strategic roadmap comes to life through the programs growing at Fox Chase Farm today — and partner with us to expand the model across Philadelphia.