Horticulture students and teaching assistants from Tacoma Community College (TCC) have been busy growing succulents, flowers, houseplants, produce, and more at Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW).

The program, a partnership between WCCW and TCC, provides students the opportunity to earn college credit while developing hands-on skills. Students spend time in the classroom learning about horticulture techniques and practices with TCC instructors and a volunteer Master Gardener.  Students then implement what they have learned about plant production and care in two facility greenhouses and gardens throughout the grounds. 

Produce grown in the gardens often makes its way to the WCCW kitchen and is incorporated into menu items.

Other plants, like the ornamental kale, go to local businesses and organizations for landscaping.

Some of the plants and flowers even go to the Governor’s mansion for special occasions throughout the year!  Overall, TCC’s horticulture program is the perfect example of the importance of partnerships in delivering high-quality programs in WA prisons.