Youth & Schools Program

Growing Hope's Youth & School programs involve classroom, after-school, and summer experiences for young people from 3-21. Partner gardens and greenhouses at Ypsilanti's Head Start and East & West Middle Schools involve nutrition-focused after-school clubs and classroom lessons. During the summer, teen interns act as peer educators, older youth gain job skills through an employment program, and younger kids learn healthy eating and gardening in a West Willow Summer Camp. Additionally, many schools have participated in our garden start-up training, and youth groups are regular volunteers at local garden sites.

After-School & Summer Learning: Whether through classroom activities or after-school Seed2Plate clubs, our schools work focuses on connecting gardening with healthy lifestyles.

Youth Employment: We employs youth through Michigan Works’ Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) to help with our raised bed install program, and to assist with development and upkeep at many of our neighborhood gardens.

Youth Volunteerism: Through our volunteer programs, over 100 youth each season couple learning and service opportunities at our sites.

Perry Learning Garden & Head Start Seeds of Learning Garden: Growing Hope still plays an active role in these two original youth gardens, connecting neighborhood and schools kids with hands-on, garden-based learning.