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.
Alternative Education
For over 15 years, GRuB has been running agriculture-based ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, & DROP-OUT PREVENTION PROGRAMS
that engage 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!
In partnership with the Olympia School District, GRuB is currently engaged in a pilot project with Olympia High School based on our successful Cultivating Youth Employment Program curriculum. Our alternative Education model offers youth opportunities to develop life skills, engage with their community and become leaders for positive social change. For more information, please check-out our GRuB in the Schools page.
Field Trips
Through our FIELD TRIP PROGRAM, we engage hundreds of children in HANDS-ON FARM EXPLORATION 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 Field Trip Program page for more information.
