GRuB in the Schools

Our Vision

Students who are struggling to engage and find success in the traditional school system earn core credits while learning about and contributing to local community food solutions.

We envision multiple GRuB-like sites in Thurston County and beyond providing 100+ disengaged youth with meaningful and relevant leadership & learning experiences on important issues in their community year-round. While students invest in the betterment of their community, they earn credits, graduate, and move on towards their own dreams and goals.

“I have personally watched students transform from disgruntled and angry to engaged and happy. Although it can be a roller coaster, I see GRuB’s work as a catalyst for providing hope with many students who had previously lost hope. Their presence clearly has made a difference in the culture of our school.” – Matt Grant, Olympia High School Principal

The Pilot – Olympia High School

Our first step is to work with one school, Olympia High School, to plan and get our systems in place, test them out, and then apply them with greater ease at future sites. Those sites will provide even more youth with the opportunity to  realize their potential through education, leadership development, nutrition, and employment.

From 2001-2009, only 39% of youth entering GRuB’s youth program were on track to graduate. Today, over 88% have graduated or earned their GED and 66% have gone on to college.

My time at GRuB has been life-changing. It is making me a stronger person. I am learning life skills that I will keep with me forever. We do team-building activities and workshops that build trust between us all. GRuB creates a very comfortable, safe, and supportive environment that has helped me come out of my comfort zone, which makes it easier to try new things outside of GRuB, wich I have been doing. GRuB is making the community and world a better place and I love being part of that” –  GRuB Youth Program Participant

Following the pilot, our goal is to partner in an expansion effort to establish multiple farm sites for the Olympia, North Thurston, and Tumwater School Districts as well as other interested districts.

Let us know how you want to help: