The Cultiva! Youth Project

The Cultiva Youth Project is a youth leadership program where youth ages 14-18 operate an urban organic farm, growing produce for the local community while developing leadership and job skills. In Boulder, the youth seed, tend, and harvest produce for Growing Gardens’ CSA program, which provides a weekly share of vegetables for 70 community members. In Longmont, this produce is donated to community partners that give the food to locals that are food insecure.

Throughout the summer, the youth deepen connections with our community by engaging in volunteer projects, and by gleaning and donating produce to community members in need. This hands-on farm experience teaches youth the importance of caring for the earth while learning how to grow their own food, work in a professional environment, operate a small business and create positive change for the community, the environment, and themselves. Cultiva participants get hands-on experience with the goats during their chore shift work at the dairy. This enables them to not only interact with the animals but learn the basic skills required to humanely raise, and effectively utilize livestock on the farm.

Cultiva participants are empowered to make decisions about many aspects of the program. Youth are encouraged to participate in project administration, public relations, and community education, as well as garden work and community service projects.