Youth Opportunities

Young people are at the heart of Urban Roots, helping grow thousands of pounds of food for our community while honing their own life and leadership skills.

Our paid youth internships provide young people with opportunities to challenge themselves, build meaningful connections with each other and the land, and make a positive impact on our food system right now!

*Applications for youth positions will open in the fall! To be informed when applications open, SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAILS and select “Youth Programs” as one of your interests.

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Young people at Urban Roots get to:

Plant, harvest and pack food for our community.

Explore what food equity looks like in Austin and how we can change our food system for the better.

Cook delicious food with local chefs and share it with each other and the community.

Lead volunteers in farm tasks as an expert.

Build community and connection with other amazing youth and adults.

Questions and Answers

Congratulations on taking the first step, and thank you for your interest! The Urban Roots Youth Programs team will review your application and get back to you with information about upcoming opportunities or to schedule an interview.

Absolutely! We love welcoming youth from kindergarten through high school to our farms for educational tours that we tailor to be age-appropriate, memorable and hands-on. Learn more and schedule farm tours on Educational Farm Tours page.

You do not have to have any farming or gardening experience! You will learn everything you need to know on the farm in a fun, supportive environment. You will not only learn the skills yourself, but you will learn the steps so you can teach others how to grow food and work beside them.

You can reach out to our team to request a virtual or in-person information session at [email protected].

The Youth Have Spoken:

“This program has taught me confidence – confidence in myself and my abilities. I have been in this organization for four years, and when I look back, I don’t even recognize that person anymore. Urban Roots has surrounded me with positivity and brought light to a hard time in my life. I got to learn about myself and communities that I am not a part of and those that I am.”

– Nicolas

“There’s nothing like being on the farm and learning about different cultures, socializing with different people, helping others with food insecurity, screaming in the cooler, and making a change in our community.”

– Ethline

“Urban Roots is close to my heart because it has made me grow as a person in so many different ways. It also made me get long lasting connections with great people who inspire me to do better.”

– Yoselyn

“Community means surrounding yourself with people who you can be yourself with and support you. Urban Roots has grown to be my community, my family, and a place in my heart. I’ve never doubted who I am and what my value is at Urban Roots due to the staff and friends I made along the way. With Urban Roots, I knew that with every struggle and every obstacle, I have someone to lift me back up”

– Melanie

“Urban Roots is close to my heart because I’ve learned about myself, the community, other people, and other things. I made so many new relationships and so many new experiences. I’ve really improved my self-esteem and comfortability with communication!”

– Kenyce

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