More than 120,000 people in Jefferson County experience food insecurity, with limited access to fresh, locally grown produce, especially in the West End (Dare to Care, 2019). Urban growers in these communities often face barriers such as lack of infrastructure, tools, certifications, and technical support needed to scale production or meet food safety standards.

In response, Kentucky State University’s Cooperative Extension Community Resource Development Program launched the Urban Growers Program in the summer of 2025. Designed to support both aspiring and experienced urban farmers, the program equips a 30-member cohort with the knowledge and resources needed to grow nutritious food right where it’s needed most.

The program is supported by a USDA grant led by Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin, the vision of Program Leader Gill Finley, and local facilitation provided by Kelly Rawalt, Local Food Systems Coordinator. The curriculum includes four workshops throughout the summer, each pairing classroom instruction with hands-on field experience. 

On June 21, 2025, Kentucky State University’s Urban Growers Cohort dove into the world of urban agriculture with a dynamic workshop developed by Dr. Theoneste’s Urban Agriculture team.

Participants learned from experts Cora Teets, Alex Kofi, and Adekunle Adeyeye, who led interactive sessions on seasonal planting, irrigation systems, hydroponics, and pest management. The day featured hands-on demonstrations of hydroponic systems and microgreens production, showing growers how to maximize yields in limited spaces.

The workshop concluded with a tour of BearFruit & Grow, an urban farm owned by community leader LeTicia Marshall.

Pre- and post-assessments revealed a 40.7% increase in participants’ knowledge and confidence, with the most significant gains in understanding row covers, season extension, and water irrigation systems. One participant summed it up perfectly:

“I really enjoyed the workshop on controlled agriculture systems and the various methods of growing food hydroponically. The farm tour to Bear Fruit and Grow was awesome—it’s always inspiring to see how others care for their land and support their communities. I found it both motivating and educational. I love this program!"