Westridge School has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation to further develop its outdoor permaculture teaching garden. The grant, which is a 1:1 matching grant, will allow for expanded opportunities for hands-on, science-based learning and the development of curricula related to the garden. 

“Since its introduction in 2022, our permaculture garden has been a hub for the type of deeper, interdisciplinary learning at the heart of our mission to develop curious and adventurous thinkers,” said Head of School Andrea Kassar. “With this grant, we will be able to greatly expand the reach of the garden across the curriculum and hope to develop community partnerships, including with Partnership for Success and local schools.”

The school’s grant proposal included such project elements as: 

• Formal outdoor classroom space and equipment
• Curriculum guide and interdisciplinary project development on topics such as biodiversity, environmental science, food production, and California history and practices of indigenous peoples 
• Self-guided learning materials to make the garden more accessible to a wider audience
• Community-wide educational garden festivals with workshops on such topics as composting, rainwater harvesting, and healthy soil
• Summer course offering in coordination with Partnership for Success, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for Pasadena Unified School District students through multi-year academic summer enrichment, college access, and career exploration.

“I was very impressed with the Westridge students I met when I visited the school,” said John Gulla, executive director of the Edward E. Ford Foundation. “The permaculture program has clearly captured student and faculty interest, and we are pleased to help expand it within Westridge and to other educators.”

Westridge started its permaculture program in 2022 by converting 2,000 square feet of underutilized lawn into a climate-appropriate garden and outdoor classroom that supports schoolwide goals of sustainability, collaboration, problem-solving, experiential and student-driven learning.

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