Since 2015, The Drop Collaborative (DC) has offered free access to its farm and structures to launch a pioneering high school model rooted in:

• Teaching sustainable farming

• Workforce development

• Partnering with nonprofits and small businesses

• Donating the harvest

• Mentoring youth

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In strict alignment with these initiatives, the DC High School Model was developed in partnership with Dr. Melissa Loveless, creating a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) curriculum tailored for meaningful, standards-based education and deemed an award winning CTE Model for Best Practices by the TN Department of Education.

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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• DC collaborates with high schools to identify SAE study areas based on workforce trends and community needs.

• Students apply in their junior year. Admission is based on attendance, GPA, AG course history, and faculty recommendations.

• Participating AG teachers must hold an AG degree and Work-Based Learning certification.

• DC works closely with teachers to uphold its mission and goals.

• Monthly updates (blogs, photos, and student highlights) are provided by DC via social media and website.

• DC coordinates sponsorships with local small businesses.

• DC organizes donation logistics with local food banks for all harvested crops.

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TEACH FARMING

• SAEs expose students to the broad scope of agriculture and natural resource careers.

• Each student develops a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) with five (5) SMART goals and a formal project scope.

• Recordkeeping, advisor supervision, and reflection are required throughout the program.

• Districts may choose to offer academic credit upon demonstration of mastery of outlined SAE standards.

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DONATE HARVEST

• Crops grown through the SAE program are donated to local community and food banks addressing community food insecurity.

• Students may earn Tennessee Promise community service hours by participating in food distribution.

• Since many participants qualify for free/reduced lunch, the food donation network often supports students' own families — creating a full-circle impact.

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MENTOR YOUTH

• DC partners with local schools, Head Start, and Pre-K programs to host “Drop by the Farm” Days.

• These interactive field days include farm-based learning activities led by high school students for younger children.

• The program fosters early development in social, emotional, and intellectual growth — while giving high school students the chance to lead, teach, and inspire.