Oakland Schools Technical Campus Receives $2,500 with a 2024 SET SEG Education Excellence Award

Oakland Schools Technical Campus - Northwest has been named one of ten 2024 Education Excellence Award winners, receiving a $2,500 grant for their program - “Farm-to-Fork”.

Each year, the SET SEG Foundation hosts the Education Excellence Awards in partnership with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), granting funds to public school programs that change lives and impact students’ futures. In addition to the grant, award recipients receive an “Education Excellence Winner” road sign and a commemorative trophy to proudly display their accomplishments in the community.

Farm-to-Fork collaborates between the Agriscience & Environmental Technology and Culinary Arts/Hospitality program at Oakland Schools Technical Campus. The agriscience students raise 24 chickens for five weeks, entering their top 12 largest chickens into the competition. Following the competition, the students presented the progression of raising chickens to their culinary arts peers. They then receive the processed chickens to use in the kitchen and teach the agriscience students to break down and prepare a meal with the chickens raised.

"We are thrilled that our Oakland Schools Technical Campus - Northwest received recognition as one of the 2024 Education Excellence Award winners by SET SEG," said Oakland Schools Superintendent, Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson. "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff who make the Farm-to-Fork program a success. This initiative aims to provide our students with hands-on, real-world experiences that enrich their learning and prepare them for future agriscience and culinary arts careers."

This program reaches 200 students across nine Oakland County districts annually, allowing students to develop their interest in agriculture.

Molly Mellema, Executive Director of the SET SEG Foundation, emphasized the significance of hands-on learning programs for preparing future industry professionals: "Enabling students to learn through practical experiences is crucial for fostering career readiness and industry growth. We're excited to help grow the Farm-to-Fork program and witness its ongoing positive influence on young farmers and culinary students throughout Oakland County."

The SET SEG Foundation is the philanthropic arm of SET SEG, a risk management organization serving Michigan public schools. The SET SEG Foundation is fueled by its mission to enable students to pursue enrichment opportunities that advance learning, leadership, and civic responsibility by providing services, scholarships, and grants directly to Michigan public schools and Michigan public school students.

For more information about the SET SEG Foundation, visit the SEG Foundation website.