AG EDUCATION
Agricultural education is an important focus of the Dawson Civic Leadership Institute because agriculture remains a vital part of the region’s economy, workforce, and future growth. Ag education goes far beyond farming — it introduces students and young leaders to careers in science, technology, business, sustainability, engineering, manufacturing, and food production.
By investing in agricultural education, the Institute helps connect young people to real-world career opportunities while developing leadership, responsibility, problem-solving, and community engagement skills. Exposure to agriculture also helps students better understand where food comes from, the importance of environmental stewardship, and the role innovation plays in feeding and supporting communities.
The Dawson Civic Leadership Institute believes agricultural education creates pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership while helping prepare the next generation to meet the challenges of a changing workforce and global economy.
The FARM @ 3080
The Farm @ 3080 is more than a farm—it’s a community space where food, wellness, and culture come together. Our focus is on creating meaningful conversations around nutrition, wellness, and food insecurity while also honoring the history of agriculture and the cultural connections we share through farming.
The Farm @3080 is a working farm located on the campus of the Dawson Civic Leadership Institute. Throughout the year, The Farm @ 3080 will host events designed to engage people of all ages, including yoga and meditationworkshops and youth centered planting days, giving young students a hands-on experience with agriculture and connecting them to the origins of their food.
DCLI Annual Spring Plant Day
DCLI Plant Day is a hands-on, joyful learning experience designed especially for 3rd grade students from Decatur Public Schools, and what began in Spring 2025 has quickly grown into a highly anticipated annual event that brings students closer to nature in a fun and memorable way. Plant Day was created as an engaging opportunity for students to spend time at the Farm @ 3080 while learning the basics of planting and caring for flowers. Students come to learn, enjoy a light lunch, and most importantly, pot their own plant to take home and continue caring for.
In its first year, we welcomed two schools, and thanks to its success and enthusiastic response, the event has expanded significantly. We’ve now grown to host seven schools and around 400 students in spring 2026. It may seem like a simple event, but it’s filled with joy, connection, and lasting impact—and most importantly, the kids have the best time.
FARM @ 3080 Internships
Internships at The Farm @ 3080 is a hands-on agricultural leadership and workforce development program through the Dawson Civic Leadership Institute designed to connect high school students to meaningful career experiences through agriculture, food systems, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. These are paid positions
Created for students who are curious, driven, and eager to make an impact, The Farm @ 3080 provides real-world summer internship opportunities that allow participants to learn by doing. Students gain valuable experience while working on projects that connect food, culture, sustainability, and community.
Internship pathways include Farm Operations & Production, Marketing & Storytelling, Community Engagement & Partnerships, Farm Business & Entrepreneurship, Culinary & Nutrition, and Food Culture & History. Through these experiences, students develop leadership skills, workforce readiness, teamwork, communication, and a deeper understanding of how agriculture influences everyday life.
The program also emphasizes personal growth and civic responsibility by encouraging students to contribute to projects that create lasting value within the community.
Whether planting, harvesting, creating content, planning outreach, or exploring food systems, participants leave the program with practical experience, professional skills, and the confidence to pursue future educational and career opportunities.