Youth Empowerment Pipeline
From Learning to Leadership
The Youth Empowerment Pipeline (YEP) is a youth-driven training and leadership program designed to support young people in building skills, confidence, and pathways within the food justice movement. Created to bridge the experience gap for New Yorkers ages 17–21, YEP offers meaningful learning opportunities regardless of prior experience.
Through skill-building workshops, mentorship, and hands-on engagement with community gardeners, urban farmers, and food justice advocates, YEP centers youth voices and leadership. The program provides critical resources for young people navigating transitions beyond youth-specific programming and strengthens their role in shaping more just and equitable food systems.
Our Objectives
The Youth Empowerment Pipeline is designed to support young people in building knowledge, confidence, and leadership within the food justice movement. By centering youth voices and lived experience, the program creates space for participants to learn, connect, and lead in meaningful ways.
Through hands-on learning and community engagement, the program aims to:
Expand understanding of socially just food systems
Grow youth-led advocacy and leadership in food justice
Strengthen youth networks and collective influence
Build confidence in public speaking and community participation
Develop life skills rooted in community action
Hear from our YEP Youth Leaders
Youth voices are at the heart of the Youth Empowerment Pipeline.
In this video, YEP participants share their experiences, reflections, and the impact the program has had on their growth as leaders, advocates, and community members. Their stories highlight the power of youth-led spaces and the importance of creating pathways for young people to learn, lead, and shape the future of food justice.
Youth Experience & Engagement
The Youth Empowerment Pipeline provides a youth-centered space where participants learn, connect, and grow through hands-on experiences in the food justice movement. Youth engage in opportunities that build skills, relationships, and leadership through real-world practice.
Through the program, our youth:
Lead and participate in youth-developed campaigns, workshops, and projects
Engage with food justice leaders through professional development opportunities
Build relationships with peers, mentors, and community gardeners
Gain hands-on experience in community gardens and urban farms
These experiences support youth as they grow from participants into confident leaders within their communities.
Working with young New Yorkers to build lasting pathways in food justice, community gardening, and urban farming.
Hear From Youth in the Pipeline
“A fun program! You get to be a part of real-world discussions adults usually talk about while making a difference in the world.”
Jayden S.
“A very fun, informational, and engaging space where you can talk about all different topics that you are interested in and everyone is respectful and will always listen to what you have to say.”
Derrick W.
“A space where you get to learn about food justice issues among other social issues while also being able to practice your new knowledge in a garden setting. Engaging in exciting discussions and so many different activities strengthens your knowledge and understanding.”
Nuzhat M.