Youth Programs
Youth Programs at a Glance
Green Guerillas’ youth programs engage young people in hands-on learning, leadership development, and community-based food justice work. Through gardening, training, and mentorship, youth build practical skills, grow confidence, and form meaningful connections to their communities while actively contributing to local food systems.
Our youth programs are designed to meet young people where they are, offering supportive and inclusive opportunities that range from introductory garden experiences to advanced leadership pathways that encourage civic engagement, personal growth, and long-term involvement in community change.
Youth Program Highlights
Youth Empowerment Pipeline (YEP)
A youth-driven leadership pathway for young adults ages 17–21 focused on food justice, advocacy, and community leadership. The Youth Empowerment Pipeline blends workshops, hands-on projects, mentorship, and engagement with food justice leaders to build skills, confidence, and pathways to civic participation.
Summer Youth Tillers (SYT)
The Summer Youth Tillers program is a hands-on internship for young people ages 14–17 that introduces participants to community gardening through guided, real-world experience. Working in small teams at community gardens, youth receive mentorship and build practical skills, confidence, and responsibility through meaningful, community-based work.
Who These Programs Are For
Green Guerillas’ youth programs are open to young people across New York City who are interested in gardening, food justice, and community leadership. Opportunities are designed to support different ages, interests, and levels of experience.
Our programs are for:
Youth ages 14–17 interested in hands-on gardening and summer internship experiences
Young adults ages 17–21 seeking leadership development, training, and pathways in food justice
Youth who are curious about community gardening, environmental stewardship, or social change
Participants with no prior gardening experience required
What We Aim To Do
LEARN
Build knowledge of food justice, leadership, and community systems through interactive workshops and shared learning.
APPLY
Put learning into action through youth-developed campaigns, workshops, and hands-on projects.
SHARE
Strengthen peer-to-peer learning, shared leadership, and feedback that helps shape and grow the program.
ADVANCE
Expand networks and access opportunities that support long-term leadership and personal growth.
Whether you’re a young person ready to apply or someone who wants to support youth leadership, there are many ways to engage with Green Guerillas’ youth programs.