We want to extend a special thank you to NESSP for featuring Campbell Farm and our Executive Director Dionna Bennett in the March Newsletter.
Read and share the full article below! We are still accepting 6th graders for our program if you would like to join please reach out to Sarah hello@campbellfarm.net
Located in Wapato, Washington on the Yakama Reservation, Campbell Farm is a non-profit that combines culture, science, and mentorship to provide educational opportunities for students. Through its dual partnership with UW Riverways and Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pathways (NESSP), Campbell Farm offers a unique, holistic learning environment, particularly for middle school students. Dionna Bennett-Pimms, the Executive Director, shared her insights on the Farm’s impact, its challenges, and its future.
Dionna’s journey to Campbell Farm stems from her passion for helping students and her background in social work. Initially a special education teacher, Dionna became disillusioned with the traditional education system and sought an alternative where she could make a meaningful difference. As Executive Director, she oversees programs that focus on providing students with both academic and personal growth opportunities. Currently, the Farm serves 15 middle school students, primarily sixth graders, to ensure they can fully engage without the distraction of extracurricular sports.
What sets Campbell Farm apart is its integration of science with indigenous culture. Located on the Yakama Reservation, the Farm offers students modern scientific education while also immersing them in their cultural heritage. “Being on the Yakama Reservation allows us to bridge multiple cultures and connect science with tradition,” Dionna explained. This blend creates a comprehensive educational experience that honors both academic learning and cultural identity.
A standout feature at Campbell Farm is its mentorship program, where former students return to mentor current participants. Many former students are now attending universities like the University of Washington (UW), and their return to the Farm helps inspire the next generation. "It brings me so much happiness when students come back as mentors or get excited about going to UW," Dionna said. These mentorship relationships help students set academic goals and see the rewards of their hard work.
Despite its successes, Campbell Farm faces challenges typical of rural non-profits, such as limited access to technology and logistical issues like transportation. The rural location means reliable internet and technological resources are often scarce, hindering the Farm’s ability to provide all modern educational tools. Additionally, the Farm is currently down a vehicle, which affects transportation for students and staff. Nevertheless, Dionna and her team remain committed to overcoming these obstacles to continue serving the community.
Dionna is hopeful for the future of Campbell Farm, aiming for growth and greater access to students. "I hope in five years we’ll be a stronger non-profit and able to reach more students," she shared. As the Farm grows, its goal is to expand its impact, offering more opportunities for local students to thrive academically and personally.
At its heart, Campbell Farm is about more than just academics. It’s about fostering community, cultural pride, and providing opportunities for success. With the support of partners like NESSP and UW Riverways, Campbell Farm ensures that students not only excel academically but also build lasting connections within a supportive network. Dionna’s hope is that more students will discover this transformative program and benefit from its unique offerings. "The more people that learn about what we do, the more we can help these kids," Dionna concluded.
📞You can call our office M-Th for questions (509) 877-6413
✉️ Or email us at hello@campbellfarm.net
🖋️Donations can be made online clicking here or mailed to 2527 Campbell Rd Wapato, WA 98951
