In the Fields

About the Program

Launched in 2014, the In The Fields Program introduces public and charter school students to Hawaiʻi’s vibrant agricultural industry and the diversity of careers it offers. In partnership with the Hawaii State Department of Education’s (HIDOE) Career Technical Education office and small farms across the islands, the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation (HAF) supports a thriving, state-wide workforce prepared to grow and sustain farming in Hawaiʻi.

Throughout the academic year, students visit three types of agricultural sites: traditional, organic, and high/emerging–tech farms. These experiences are complemented by workplace learning and mentorships that give students real-world insight into what a career in agriculture really looks like.

Educators benefit from this program too. Through close engagement with business owners and farm operators, teachers can tailor their classroom instruction to reflect real industry demands. As Daphne Honma, Ag teacher at Honokaa High & Inter. School shared, “This program inspired interest in not only agriculture but the creating of products from what we grow and marketing and selling. It also helped to motivate some of our students to try different methods of farming in our spaces.”

 

 

Key Program Features

HAF’s In the Fields program is uniquely positioned to support students and educators through:

  1. A Strong Network of Site Partners: HAF has long-standing relationships with a broad list of farms and agri-businesses across the state. These trusted partners ensure quality and consistency in programming. (hyper-link brochure for sites)
  2. Farm-to-Teacher Connection: HAF facilitates the introduction between teachers and farms, helping with logistics and ensuring that the  ag site visit can align with current classroom topics.
  3. Curriculum Alignment: Many of our partner sites offer HIDOE standard-aligned curriculum connections, allowing students to experience lessons in real-life settings. All sites integrate with HAF programs (which we offer free training and implementation support for educators).
  4. Support for Educators Statewide: HAF sponsors not only our program teachers but also agriculture and culinary educators across Hawaiʻi to broaden program access and impact. We support field trips and educational experiences statewide, ensuring all communities have the opportunity to engage with our initiatives.
  5. Linking Agriculture to Potential Careers:  HAF’s program emphasizes agriculture as a viable career path, spotlighting the many opportunities to earn a living within the industry right here in Hawaiʻi.
  6. Internship Opportunities: Students interested in deepening their exposure can apply for internships at many of our participating sites.

Program Objective

The In the Fields Program serves students from Elementary to High School  and aims to:

  • Raise student awareness and interest in agriculture and improve the perception of one of Hawaiʻi’s largest industries.
  • Strengthen industry-academic partnerships to better prepare students for ag-related careers.
  • Bridge the gap between education and the workforce, creating programs that ease students’ transition from school to career.

HAF’s In the Fields Program aims to bridge the gap between what it is really like at work in the industry and what is being taught in the classroom. The current target population served are public and charter elementary, middle, and high school students.

According to the HIDOE’s Agricultural Career Technical Education Resource Teacher, Alison Inouye, there is a need to ensure that students understand what it’s really like to work in an agricultural-related field. She shared that students cultivating a school garden is a very different experience from the day-to-day life of working on the farm and in the fields.

Get Involved

If you’re an educator, farmer, or business owner who wants to participate or learn more, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can help develop the next generation of agricultural leaders in Hawaiʻi.

Contact us at: info@hawaiiagfoundation.org to explore how you can be part of the In the Fields experience.

Bring Ag Education to Your Classroom

If you’re interested in bringing this program to your classroom at no charge to you or your school, fill out the form below: