Press
Ahoskie Community Garden Provides Experiential Learning for Local 4-H STEM Students!
RALEIGH, NC (August 8, 2013) — Twenty-five students from Hertford County’s 4-H summer Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) camp recently visited the outdoor community garden project sponsored by State Employees’ Credit Union’s (SECU’s) Ahoskie branch. The educational field trip was an opportunity to connect with the 4-H program’s mission of experiential learning and provided students a hands-on experience to see how fresh farm produce is grown and harvested. Students enjoyed digging for potatoes and picking a variety of vegetables to take back to class to study, cook and taste. The group of 5th-8th grade youth was also given a tour of the branch and learned more about the Credit Union’s involvement in the community.
Caroline Stephenson, 4-H summer STEM camp volunteer comments, “By engaging schools and the community in an out-of-the-box project, SECU staff and members are inspiring these young students. This project allows students to experience first-hand the educational value and display of community spirit as a model of how they can take the lead to engage in community service activities in the future.”
“We are thrilled that the garden project was such a hit with our members, schools and the community,” remarks James Eure, SECU Senior Vice President of the Ahoskie branch. “From planting to harvesting crops, this has been quite an educational experience for students and one we hope has provided a better understanding and appreciation of the farming industry in our rural communities. With ongoing support from the Ahoskie community, we look forward to continuing this beneficial garden project well into the future!”
About SECU
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 75 years. With 1.8 million members, SECU provides services through 249 branch offices, 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Contact Centers and a website, www.ncsecu.org