Our Youth Development Philosophy: Farming Self, Land, and Community
Whether youth are with GRuB for an afternoon or an entire year, we strive to create empowering nurturing and safe environments that inspire their development. Our work and curriculum are driven by organizational values – self-care and development, responsible land stewardship, and meaningful relationships.
Employment
Our agriculture-based EMPLOYMENT & DROP-OUT PREVENTION PROGRAM engages local teens in land & community-based projects, working to break cycles of hunger, poverty, inequality, and oppression. Youth steward our 2-acre urban farm, growing 10,000 pounds of vegetables for the food bank, our CSA & Marketstand, and their own families. From 2001-2009, only 41% of youth entered our program on-track to graduate. Today, OVER 91% HAVE GRADUATED OR EARNED THEIR GED!
More than just a job, our Cultivating Youth Employment Program offers youth opportunities to develop life skills, engage with their community and become leaders for positive social change.
Education
Through our EDUCATION PROGRAM, we engage hundreds of children in HANDS-ON FIELD TRIPS where they learn about soil, plants, food, and community. We help them explore the question, ”Where does our food come from?” through activities that help them connect to their local food system. Visit our Cultivating Youth Education Program page for more information.
GRuB in the Schools
In partnership with the Olympia School District, GRuB is currently planning a pilot project with Olympia High School based on our successful employment program curriculum. For more information, please check-out our GRuB in the Schools page.
For more information about GRuB’s Youth Programs, send a message to Blue Peetz, Youth Programs Director, through our contact form, or call (360) 753-5522.
