Acelero Learning is excited to announce that our Freehold Center has been awarded, through The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and the National Head Start Association, one of 10 grants to Head Start programs across the nation to support our efforts to connect youth to the benefits of gardening and outdoor play.
“With so much disruption in children’s lives over the past few years, going outside and getting your hands dirty in the soil have provided an outlet and a source of hope for so many people,” said Ann Aquillo, vice president of Policy and Strategic Partnerships at ScottsMiracle-Gro. “Seeing the pure joy on the faces of kids taking part in this program has been incredible. We look forward to the new and updated garden experiences our grant recipients will create this year.”
“Nature is the ultimate classroom. Everything Head Start children learn in the garden ties into science, math, health, nutrition, and physical activity as well as literacy and, especially in centers where there are many languages spoken, language acquisition,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “NHSA is proud to partner with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation to encourage experiential learning, foster curiosity, and support lifelong healthy habits for another 2,500 children and their families across the country this year.”
The grants are part of Scotts Miracle-Gro initiative, which aims to bring the life-enhancing benefits of gardens and green spaces to 10 million children by 2023. This is the fourth year of the program and it has supported 48 existing and new garden projects for Head Start programs (including this year). The grants winners were announced during NHSA’s 2022 Winter Leadership Institute where leaders of the Head Start community from across the nation convened for four days of advocacy training, innovative panels, and results-oriented workshops.
About National Head Start Association
The National Head Start Association is committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in school and in life. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities. NHSA is the voice for more than 1 million children, 270,000 staff, and 1,600 Head Start grant recipients in the United States. Visit nhsa.org or follow @NatlHeadStart to learn more.
About The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation
The mission of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is to inspire, connect and cultivate a community of purpose. The Foundation is deeply rooted in helping create healthier communities, empower the next generation, and preserve our planet. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that funds non-profit entities that support its core initiatives in the form of grants, endowments and multi-year capital gifts. Visit scottsmiraclegrofoundation.org to learn more.
