top of page

Planting Change
Furr High School and The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation Partnership

​Introduction

Our collaboration with The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) is a beacon of hope and transformation. This partnership not only enriches our students' education but also invigorates our community with sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Under the leadership of Juan Elizondo, this collaboration has turned our campus and surrounding areas into thriving green spaces, fostering a culture of sustainability and hands-on learning.

​

A Shared Vision

Our collaboration with FTPF is rooted in a shared vision of creating sustainable, vibrant communities through the power of fruit trees. By integrating agricultural education with practical experience, we aim to inspire students to become lifelong stewards of the environment and advocates for sustainability.

Key Initiatives and Projects

1. School and Community Orchards

Furr High School has established several orchards both on campus and in the local community:
 

  • Campus Orchard: With over 100 fruit trees planted on school grounds, students gain invaluable hands-on experience in horticulture and sustainable agriculture.
     

  • Community Orchards: Fruit trees planted in parks and public spaces provide fresh produce to local families and enhance community green spaces.
     

These orchards serve as living classrooms where students learn about tree care, soil health, and the ecological benefits of fruit trees, fostering a deeper connection to the environment.
 

2. Educational Programs

Our partnership with FTPF includes comprehensive educational programs that cover:
 

  • Horticultural Skills: Students learn essential skills in planting, pruning, and maintaining fruit trees.
     

  • Environmental Education: Lessons on biodiversity, soil health, and ecological balance are woven into the curriculum.
     

  • Community Engagement: Students participate in outreach activities to educate the community about the benefits of fruit trees and sustainable practices.
     

These programs equip students with valuable skills and knowledge, preparing them for careers in agriculture, environmental science, and related fields.
 

3. Addressing Food Insecurity

The orchards established through our partnership play a crucial role in combating food insecurity. By providing access to fresh, nutritious fruit, we help ensure that local families have healthy food options. The produce from the orchards is shared with the community through local markets and direct donations, making a tangible impact on food security.
 

4. Professional Development for Educators

Juan Elizondo leads professional development initiatives that emphasize the integration of agricultural education into the broader curriculum. Workshops and training sessions provide teachers with the tools and knowledge to incorporate fruit tree planting and maintenance into their lesson plans, fostering a culture of sustainability throughout the school.

Volunteering and Engagement

Elizondo's engagement with FTPF began in 2013 with orchard plantings in his community. Since 2016, he has been a dedicated volunteer, participating in annual projects in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Over the years, he has welcomed students, alumni, and community members to join these initiatives, bringing his passion for environmental stewardship to life. In Houston, he has been instrumental in FTPF’s projects, involving his career and technical education students in agricultural studies.
 

In 2018, Furr High School, under the XQ America Super High School Project, organized a two week-long eco-adventure to El Salvador and Guatemala. This initiative allowed  students and staff to volunteer with FTPF, distributing fruit trees and working with children, families, schools, and farming groups. This program has provided students with international exposure and practical experience in sustainable agriculture.
 

The El Salvador Program

FTPF's mission in El Salvador addresses the urgent need for reforestation and food security. By planting fruit trees and providing horticultural training, FTPF helps communities combat climate change and poverty. Since 2013, FTPF has worked with NGOs like SHARE El Salvador and CONFRAS to plant thousands of fruit trees each year. These efforts have empowered families to support themselves through income from their orchards.

 

The Guatemala Program

In Guatemala, FTPF addresses severe malnutrition and environmental degradation. By planting orchards at schools and family homes in indigenous Mayan villages along the Rio Dulce River, FTPF provides long-term, sustainable nourishment and income opportunities. This program also combats climate change by preventing erosion and increasing biodiversity.

 

The Peru Program

In the Peruvian Amazon, the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) works to prevent deforestation and promote sustainable agriculture. Since 2018, FTPF has partnered with local nonprofit CONAPAC to provide families with fruit trees and hands-on training. This initiative enhances nutrition and income opportunities while supporting conservation efforts by reforesting areas affected by deforestation.

​

Juan Elizondo was able to volunteer in 2021, contributing to these impactful efforts. In 2022, his counterpart in Agriculture at Furr High School attended, further strengthening the connection between education, sustainability, and community-driven environmental restoration. Through these experiences, we were able to take what we learned and teach our students in vocational education, equipping them with real-world knowledge and skills that connect environmental stewardship with career pathways.

​

Bridging Careers and Higher Education

1. Mentorship and Professional Engagement

Our partnership offers students opportunities to interact with professionals from FTPF and other experts in sustainable agriculture. These interactions provide insights into potential careers and higher education opportunities in agriculture, environmental science, and related fields.
 

2. Pathways to Advanced Learning

The collaborative projects and initiatives expose students to advanced agricultural practices and research opportunities. By engaging in hands-on projects and learning from experts, students are well-prepared for college and future careers in STEM fields.
 

3. Inspiring Future Leaders

Through their involvement in the orchards and educational programs, students develop leadership skills and a passion for environmental stewardship. Witnessing the positive impact of their work on the community and environment inspires them to pursue careers and higher education paths that contribute to sustainable development.

Uplifting Our Portrait of a Graduate

Our partnership with FTPF aligns seamlessly with Furr High School’s Portrait of a Graduate, which envisions students as:
 

  • Skilled Communicators: Students learn to effectively communicate the importance of sustainable practices and the benefits of fruit trees to diverse audiences.
     

  • Critical Thinkers: Working on orchard projects requires students to assess environmental conditions, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
     

  • Innovative Problem Solvers: Students develop creative solutions to challenges in orchard management and community engagement.
     

  • Community Leaders: By leading planting projects and educational outreach, students take on leadership roles and advocate for environmental health.
     

  • Responsible Decision-Makers: Projects emphasize the social and environmental context of decisions, teaching students to consider the broader implications of their actions.
     

  • Adaptable and Productive Individuals: Real-world projects require adaptability, teaching students to navigate challenges and work efficiently in dynamic environments.
     

  • College-Ready Learners: Exposure to advanced agricultural practices and professional environments prepares students for academic success beyond high school.
     

Place-Based Learning

Place-based learning is at the heart of our partnership with FTPF. By situating education in the context of the local environment, we make learning relevant and impactful. Students explore their community, understand local environmental challenges, and work on solutions that make a real difference. This approach enhances academic learning and fosters a deep connection to their community.

Community Engagement and Expanded Projects

In addition to the core partnership with FTPF, our students have engaged in various projects with other local and regional organizations. Vocational students of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Pathway have contributed to projects with:
 

  • Houston Independent School District (HISD) Nutrition Services’ Food and Agriculture Literacy Center at Mykawa Farm
     

  • Austin High School, Jackson Middle School, Lantrip Elementary, and Edison Middle School
     

  • Pasadena Parks and Recreation Department at Sunset Park and Vince Bayou
     

  • Houston Parks and Recreation Department at Clinton Park
     

  • Fonmeadow Community Garden
     

These projects provide students with a wide range of experiences in urban farming, conservation, and community service, enhancing their skills and broadening their impact.
 

Impact and Achievements

The outcomes of our partnership with FTPF have been profound:
 

  • Increased Student Engagement: Hands-on projects and real-world applications enhance student motivation and investment in learning.
     

  • Career Preparedness: Students acquire practical skills and experience, positioning them for successful careers in agriculture and environmental fields.|
     

  • Community Enhancement: By addressing food insecurity and contributing to environmental solutions, students drive positive community transformation.
     

Insight from Focus Groups

Feedback from focus groups with educators, students, and partners has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants highlight the value of experiential learning, the benefits of mentorship, and the importance of addressing real-world challenges. These insights continue to shape and improve our partnership initiatives.
 

Conclusion

Our partnership with The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation is a cornerstone of Furr High School’s educational mission. By providing students with unique opportunities to engage in sustainable agriculture, connect with experts, and explore potential careers, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators. Together, we are building a brighter future for our students and our community.
 

For more information, please visit The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation.

bottom of page