Mini ASCENDkemet Earthkeepers Teach Us (MAET) transforms our certified farmers' markets and waterfront parks into early learning ecosystems for BIPOC youth — where children explore nature and science through activities that protect and preserve the earth and humankind, powered by community.
Each session blends ecological science with ancestral wisdom — giving BIPOC youth ages 3–17 a space to explore nature, build identity, and become stewards of their communities.
Ecological science exploring energy, materials, life, and change through hands in the soil. Children connect with the earth's cycles through direct cultivation experience.
Eyes on the stars — connecting cosmic cycles to ecological and cultural knowledge. Children explore their place in the universe through ancestral sky traditions.
Movement and mindfulness rooted in ancestral practice and cultural identity. Building physical awareness alongside deep cultural connection and inner resilience.
Ancestral stories and traditional drumming that connect youth to where they come from — bridging heritage with present-day identity and belonging.
Stewardship in action while learning the science of our coasts and waterways. Youth become active environmental guardians of San Diego's natural spaces.
Connecting ancestral foods to nutrition, community, and the markets youth help run. From seed to market stall, food becomes a lens for culture and community.
Youth ages 10–17 who complete a full program cycle become Youth Vendors at our certified farmers' markets — growing produce, crafting goods, and sharing their earthkeeping journey with the public.
MAET is actively building school partnerships through California's Farm to School program. Aligned with CDFA and CDE pillars, we help San Diego schools bring culturally rooted environmental education to their students — at whatever level fits your classroom.
Start small or go all in — every level is a step toward earthkeeping education. Four partnership pathways are available to schools at any stage.
Partner with UsBring your class to a certified farmers' market for a hands-on learning visit.
We come to you — a MAET-led session right inside your classroom.
A monthly cycle with curriculum integration and pre/post assessments.
Youth-grown produce taste tests connecting food, culture, and nutrition.
As part of the MAET program, we offer separate Night Sky Sessions for Youth during night sky viewing gatherings at Oak Oasis Park. Evening sessions extend the same curriculum through astronomy-based learning and reflection.
Children gain another opportunity to connect with the universe, cultural wisdom, and their role as young earthkeepers and stewards of the earth.
Upcoming Overnight Camp program!
Beyond our regular sessions, we partner with parks, markets, and community spaces to bring MAET experiences to more youth across San Diego.
ASCENDtials is partnering with Pepper Grove Park for our Park Takeover series — free Kemetic Yoga sessions and holistic education tools for the whole family.
Learn More
Join us Wednesday April 22nd at 5pm at Pepper Grove Park — come for an hour of family fun and mindful movement in community.
Learn More
Drop by the farmers' market and get local produce fresh from the farm — every Friday at the Marina District, 3–7 PM.
Learn MoreBuild My Spirit is a before and after school program for low-income BIPOC youth ages 5–17 in San Diego. The program provides children with activities that support them spiritually, mentally, and physically.
The key to all this is empowering the disadvantaged, and dismantling the unseen barriers of inequality — giving every child a foundation to grow from.
"MAET transforms our markets and parks into living classrooms — where the next generation learns to care for the earth, for each other, and for the communities they call home."
Whether you're a parent, educator, school, or community partner — there's a place for you in the MAET ecosystem.