Youth Jobs
Cultivate Hope Youth Development Program
The Cultivate Hope Youth Development Program is a paid opportunity for high-school-age students to develop and hone various skills in preparation for life beyond the classroom.
These students grow produce on our urban farm and sell at farmers markets, participate in team-building and communication exercises, make prepared foods for market, and learn about their community through guest speakers and field trips. Upon completion, students have a better understanding about health and nutrition, food systems, sales, teamwork, sustainable farm practices, environmental awareness, and how they can have a positive impact on the world around them.
Seed Crew
The main part of this program is the Seed Crew, where 15 students work four days per week during the summer at the Urban Farm, going on field trips, and completing team-building exercises with their fellow coworkers.
- 8-week summer session, June 26-Aug. 17, 2023
- 20 hours per week, 9 am-2 pm, Monday through Thursday
- Wages are $10 per hour
- Applicants must be at least 14 years old and no older than 18 years old as of April 1 of the program year
Root Crew
In the spring and fall, the Root Crew sessions provide an extended employment opportunity that include additional training and development for 3-5 students. These students get to see and participate in the Urban Farm production season from start to finish.
- Root Crew participates in Seed Crew and chooses an additional spring and/or fall session:
- 11-week spring session, March 22-June 1, 2023, Wednesday/Thursday, 3:30-7:15 pm
- 8-week fall session, Aug. 23-Oct. 19, 2023, Wednesday/Thursday, 3:30-7:15 pm
- Wages are $11 per hour throughout the Spring/Fall session as well as during their time over the summer
- Applicants must be at least 14 years old and no older than 18 years old as of April 1 of the program year
Applications for both Seed Crew and Root Crew are accepted year-round. Completed applications can be submitted via email to [email protected] or by mail to Matthew 25, 201 Third Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.
2023 Program in Action
Learn more about the 2023 Seed Crew by reading our weekly Summer Stories blog posts or watching our video:
2022 Students
Pipa
“My favorite part of working at the Urban Farm is the teamwork that happens. One thing I’ve learned is how to hang vegetation to maximize growth.”
Alex
“My favorite parts of working at the Urban Farm are harvesting and cooking. One thing I've learned so far is how to communicate more clearly.”
Brody
“My favorite part of working at the Urban Farm is working outside with other people. One thing I've learned so far is how to maintain crops.”
David
“My favorite parts of working at the Urban Farm are being outside and going on trips. One thing I've learned so far is the process of growing mushrooms.”
Cutter
“My favorite part of working at the Urban Farm is spreading compost. One thing I've learned so far is that weeding can be fun!”
Dillon
“My favorite part of working at the Urban Farm are the trips we get to go on. One thing I've learned is that there is a certain way to care for crops.”
Grace
“My favorite part of working at the Urban Farm is meeting new people. One thing I've learned about is of what kind of work happens on an Urban Farm.”
Jaiden
“My favorite part of working on the Urban Farm is meeting new people. Some things I've learned so far are how to grow, harvest, and cook vegetables.”
Jordan
“My favorite parts of working at the Urban Farm are helping people who need it and going on trips. Some things I've learned so far are how to grow and care for crops.”
Mars
“My favorite part of working at the Urban Farm is being outside. One thing I've learned so far is how to properly care for a garden.”
Kael
“My favorite part about being at the Urban Farm is the physical work. One thing I've learned so far is that growing mushrooms is complicated.”
May
“My favorite part of working at the Urban Farm is helping at Farmers Markets. Some things I've learned so far are how to meet and talk to new people.”
Paxton
“My favorite part of working on the Urban Farm is being with the people I work with. One thing I've learned so far is that there is always so much to do!”
Drew
“My favorite part of working on the Urban Farm is being outside. One thing I've learned so far is how to make food with the produce we harvest.”
Meet Kendal!
Education Leader
Contact Kendal if you have any questions about this or the application process.