Dr. Mandy Manna Accepts the 2026 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence

Fox Chase Farm was honored at the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence, where Dr. Mandy Manna accepted the award on behalf of the School District of Philadelphia for the Fox Chase Farm Junior MANRRS Environmental Education Project.

The Junior MANRRS program — Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences — is an environmental leadership and workforce development initiative that expands opportunities for students in grades 7 through 12 to engage in hands-on learning focused on agriculture, sustainability, climate change, water stewardship, environmental justice, and green career pathways.

Through community gardening, composting, environmental advocacy, student-led educational programming, and partnerships with organizations such as the Philadelphia Water Department, students develop leadership skills while making a meaningful impact in their communities.

This award recognizes the program’s commitment to empowering students from historically underserved communities to become the next generation of environmental leaders.