Take Root
Earn and Learn: A hands-on program exploring our local food systems—from farm to kitchen.
Interested in farming, cooking, and helping your community? Looking to learn while also earning money? Registration open for our upcoming session. Participation is limited to young adults aged 16-22.
Details
A program takes place each Spring, Summer, and Fall and includes a $1,000 stipend for participants paid out over 90 hours. The program also includes workforce development training and exposure to Virginia Western Community College with hands-on learning in their laboratories.
The schedule follows the Roanoke City Public Schools calendar. Spring and Fall workdays are mostly in the afternoon after school and includes some weekends. Most weeks have a 3 or 4 days commitment. Please see the current Program Calendar for more details.
Successful completion of 90% of a seaons's program guarantees the opportunity to continue with a paid position in the next session.
Transportation will be provided.
Click below to learn more about the 4 parts of our program.
Work with a local farmer to learn how to effectively grow vegetables, and prepare them for market.
Explore permaculture, and working with nature to create resilient local food ecosystems.
Grow your skills with a kitchen professional on how to safely and timely prepare delicious meals, using fresh ingredients.
Work with the community to understand needs, and affect change through effective leadership.