The group of faculty, staff and community leaders discussed how ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ can work with the community by developing partnerships with schools, businesses and civic organizations.
At the Parramore Community Garden, they learned how volunteers grow and share organic produce.
The 4,500-square-foot garden, which opened in 2009, contains 18 beds that produce vegetables and herbs.
At Sunlite Grocery, Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill explained a city program that encourages the storeβs owners to provide fresh fruits and vegetables.
At the Wellsβ Built Museum of African American History and Culture, the team learned about the areaβs rich heritage.
The museum, which was originally built by Dr. William Wells in 1921 as a hotel for African-Americans when Florida was segregated, now showcases African art and memorabilia from the Civil Rights Era.
Jones High School hosted the ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ team for a panel discussion featuring seniors who take part in a mentoring program with the City of Orlando's Parramore Kidz Zone.
During the discussion, which was led by ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ College of Health and Public Affairs associate dean Melvin Rogers (standing), the students shared their aspirations to attend college.
Lisa Early, director of the City of Orlando Department of Families, Parks and Recreation, thanked the Jones seniors for sharing their stories with the ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ team.
βI believe that everyone went home with a renewed awareness of why building a community-university partnership that truly strengthens the community, and creates opportunities for its young people and their families, is such a critical component of ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ Downtown.β β Michael Frumkin, dean of the College of Health and Public Affairs