Changing the lives for Students in the Gahanna-Jefferson School district
Who We Are
Gahanna Employability and Adult Readiness
Gahanna Employability and Adult Readiness (GEAR) is a state-of-the-art post-secondary program that provides instruction and services to young adults with disabilities ages 18-21. These students have earned the credits needed to graduate and are working on developing employability skills, adult readiness skills, and independent transition skills. We embrace opportunities beyond the classroom by way of worksite visits, mentorships, internships, and service. We are grateful for our community partners who have stepped up to help create a new and exciting agricultural workplace for the GEAR program called GEAR Gardens.
GEAR Gardens has a leadership team and a steering committee that includes partners from the construction industry, agriculture, marketing, fundraising, and education. Royal Manor Elementary School has provided green space where the proposed GEAR Gardens will be located. The Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation is providing assistance with fundraising and awareness. We welcome all community members and business partners who are interested in helping make this dream a reality.
What We Are Doing
Our key goals are to teach students transition skills, increase their independence and employability, and build communication skills and confidence in a variety of social settings.
GEAR Gardens differs in that it is part of the continuum of special-education services offered for students in Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools. Our vision is to provide opportunities for a wide range of students with disabilities.
Phase I of the project is building a fully accessible hydroponic greenhouse.
What We Will Be
GEAR Gardens will be a student-run business. Our students will be involved in all aspects of the work. The goal of the program will be self-sustaining, and it is your donations that will make this happen.
We will create a hydroponic garden capable of producing a variety of vegetables, greens, and flowers. We will donate 50% of our produce to GRIN (Gahanna Residents In Need) and be a food resource to our families and neighborhoods.
Our goal is that the outdoor space and hydroponic greenhouses will be used for community-based instruction for students in pre-K to 12th grade.
"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow."
— Audrey Hepburn