National Women in Agriculture Association

The Sustainable Science Academy (SSA), led by the National Women in Agriculture Association, utilizes an early learning curriculum designed to support children, caregivers, and educators in Northeast Oklahoma City with the Roots of Resilience program. Serving about 100 preschoolers, 150+ caregivers, and 10–12 educators annually, the program addresses poverty, trauma, food insecurity, and housing instability that place children at risk before kindergarten. The initiative integrates social-emotional growth, nature-based learning, and family wellness through four trauma informed agri-wellness core components of gardening, nutrition, mindfulness and literacy to build resilience and environmental stewardship. Family Resilience Circles provide bi-monthly parenting and stress-management support, with take-home resources for ongoing practice. Educator development emphasizes culturally responsive, trauma-informed care, with coaching from mental health specialists. Evaluation ensures continuous improvement and replication potential. By uniting education, caregiver support, and cultural relevance, Roots of Resilience promotes healthy development and breaks cycles of trauma.