Over the past fifty years, Keep America Beautiful has developed a proven five step process to engage communities. The Philadelphia Green project of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has over thirty years of grass roots experience that models the KAB five step process. Current academic research substantiates this approach and adds data & detail.

The question for Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is ‘How best to reach and assist the numerous and diverse communities across the Commonwealth?’

During 2005, KPB conducted a pilot project to determine the effectiveness of using the skills and enthusiasm of college interns as a catalyst to engage residents in caring for their community. KPB focused on students in the schools of landscape architecture, horticulture, fine arts, and community planning.

KPB selected two near by communities with an interest in the project and willing community partners, the Cities of York and Harrisburg.

Project partners included the
• Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
• Penn State University & York College
• Cities of Harrisburg and York,
• YWCA and Salem Square Association of York, and
• Danzante Arts and Pride in the Neighborhood in Harrisburg.

The interns were selected by mid-May and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society conducted a two day training in June. PHS, Community organizations, and KPB worked together in mentoring and supporting the interns throughout the eight week project.

The interns met with community members to create a “vision” for their neighborhood and select at least one concrete project that could be accomplished during the eight weeks of summer.

Projects Included:

GARDENS & TREE WELL PLANTINGS
MOSAICS & MURALS
LOT CLEANUPS & SIDEWALKS

Results of the Pilot
Learned a lot through trial and error and there are still questions on organization & format but all project participants agree…it was successful enough to continue and expand in 2006!

KPB and all the project partners think the idea is mutually beneficial for both the interns and the neighborhoods. Students are able to apply their academic training in real world settings. Pennsylvania neighborhoods are afforded the advice and assistance of college students with specialized skills in such areas as landscape architecture, horticulture, fine arts, and urban planning.

Plans for 2006 include a full statewide demonstration project in four or five various sized communities across the Commonwealth. KPB is currently researching funding options and new community partners.