FY26-OSSE-HW-Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching

The District of Columbia’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education is seeking a vendor to design and deliver a summer training program focused on garden-based learning for educators in DC Public Schools and DC Public Charter Schools. The initiative aims to equip elementary school staff with the skills and resources to integrate hands-on gardening activities into their instructional practices, enhancing student engagement and learning through experiential education. The vendor will be responsible for creating a comprehensive curriculum that supports teachers in using existing school garden programs as dynamic classrooms, emphasizing practical, outdoor pedagogical approaches aligned with educational goals. The training program, scheduled for fiscal year 2026, will target school professionals and will include interactive sessions designed to build capacity in curriculum development, garden management, and cross-disciplinary instruction using the garden environment. While specific details about budget, timeline, or selection criteria are not disclosed, the effort is part of a broader strategy to expand experiential learning opportunities in elementary education across the district. The procurement is posted as a forecast on the District’s contracts portal and is managed under the jurisdiction of the State Superintendent of Education, with performance expected to occur within the District of Columbia.