GRuB > Cultivating Youth

Photo of Josue pushing a wheelbarrow at the GRuB Farm

In Thurston County, schools and youth agencies struggle to serve the growing number of diverse youth and the many learning and behavioral challenges they face. The Cultivating Youth Program is designed to meet the needs of youth who:

Come from low-income families, foster care, and/or group homes,
Have learning and behavior challenges including ADD, ADHD, drug abuse, and others,
Simply learn more effectively in a hands-on learning environment, and/or
Have other obstacles to reaching their potential.

GRuB has formed partnerships with local schools and youth agencies to employ high school students on our urban farm, engage middle school students in ongoing field trips and host one-time visits to the GRuB farm for pre K - 8 students. Our work with youth is meaningful, relationship-rich, and context-driven.

Farming Self, Land, and Community: Whether a group is working with GRuB for an afternoon or an entire year, we strive to create empowering nurturing and safe environments that inspire youth development. Our work and curriculum are driven by organizational values -- self-care and development, responsible land stewardship, and meaningful relationships.

Employment: Every summer GRuB hires 20 low-income youth from Thurston County to work on our 3-acre farm. More than just a job, our Employment Program offers youth opportunities to develop life skills, engage with their community and become leaders for positive social change. Visit our Employment Program page for more information.

Education: Throughout the academic year, school and community groups visit the GRuB farm and engage in activities that help them connect to their local food system. Visit our Education Program page for more information.

For more information about GRuB's Cultivating Youth program, send a message to Jackson Sillars through our contact form, or call (360) 753-5522.