Our humane education programs were first launched in 2017, and by the end of 2022, we had reached 100,000 young students. Now, this impact has soared to a quarter of a million students.

Initially based in the New York Tri-State Area and the San Francisco Bay Area, these programs expanded to Los Angeles in 2019, the year the Humane Education Coalition honored Farm Sanctuary with its Excellence Award. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we began offering free virtual classes on Zoom, giving teachers nationwide access to our programs.

Today, children around the world engage in our monthly webinars, downloadable curricula, and other resources. In 2024, we reached 68,000 students in 32 U.S. states, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and Mexico.

“It is so exciting to reach this milestone. Working with students and seeing them respond to a message of compassion for all animals is an incredibly rewarding experience,” says Ardyn Cieslak, senior humane education manager. “We are so grateful to all of Farm Sanctuary’s supporters who allow us to provide free educational materials and bring the stories of our residents to students around the world.”

Read more about the real-life impact of Farm Sanctuary’s humane education programs from individuals who have participated in them.

• “I like how I learn information that is valuable because it actually comes from real, experienced activists. It guides me to become a real activist and make an impact.”
• “Thank you so much! Great work! I will be passing on what I have learned!”
• “I loved the input from other ambassadors sharing their ideas on how they made positive impacts in their communities, as it inspired me for what I plan to do in my community. I also loved the several voices we had speaking during this meeting to give diverse perspectives and the interesting presentation.”
• “I learned that a lot of farmed animals have their own unique personalities and also desire attention…Something that stood out to me was when Maggie the goat asked for more petting by extending her hoof. This reminds me a lot of my dog, Jay.”
• “I learned about how little legal protection farm animals have. Since farm animals are legally classified as “property,” they do not receive the protection of a living being under the law.”
• “I learned that the lives of farmed animals in factory farming are defined by confinement, illnesses, and the overuse of antibiotics for a temporary solution to illness, which increases the risk of creating superbugs.”
• “I liked all the discussions! It was really cool how we were talking about the different aspects of access to food and what we can do about it.”
  
• “Farm Sanctuary has done a phenomenal job supporting and providing resources to youth activists. I’ve personally found so many opportunities and support within the YLC that have helped me become the activist I am today.”

• “My students enjoyed the Turkey Tales and absolutely loved Sandy and the turkeys! They created some amazing drawings of Sandy and the other adorable turkey residents. The drawings are on display in our classroom.”
• “I recommend this program [Animals and Art]. Students will receive a free art lesson (with minimal supplies needed in the classroom) AND learn about compassion for animals!”
• “The interesting animal facts and cute videos engaged my students.”
• “Farm Sanctuary presentations are informative and fun, and my students love learning about the cute, sweet animals!”
• “Thank you! Showing these presentations for several years—very informative and relevant.”
• “I love that the presentation meets curriculum requirements and also provides humane education at the same time. My students really enjoy seeing the animals, and it motivates them to want to eat more fruits and veggies!”
• The presentations are always fascinating, and students remain engaged from beginning to end. My students enjoyed every minute.
• “The students enjoyed seeing the animals and learning about the sanctuary.  Many of my students said they don’t want to eat a turkey for Thanksgiving now.”