Teen Apprentice Program
SGN's Teen Apprentice Program is a hands-on workforce development initiative that equips around 50 high school students (ages 15-18) annually with practical skills in sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient gardening, and environmental education and leadership. Through weekly practical sessions and exposure to higher education pathways, this program empowers teens to become confident, career-ready environmental changemakers in their communities.
The Teen Apprentice Program engages six cohorts of students each year, with up to eight participants per cohort.
Through ten weekly 3-hour sessions, participants:
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Gain practical skills in regenerative agriculture and climate-resilient gardening, including planting, harvesting, water conservation (with a focus on drip irrigation installation and repair), soil science and structure, carbon sequestration, and seasonal garden maintenance.
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Develop leadership abilities through opportunities to foster communication and collaboration, solve programs, and take tangible action.
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Build career readiness by learning workplace expectations, accountability, and professional skills.
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Explore higher education and career pathways through a guided tour and volunteer experience project at Santa Rosa Junior College’s (SRJC) Shone Farm. This direct exposure to higher education pathways encourages students to explore careers in environmental and ecological agricultural and natural resource fields.
Hands-on trainings primarily take place in local elementary and middle school gardens. Transportation is provided to ensure accessibility for all participants.
Participants also earn 30 service learning hours and a stipend upon successful program completion.
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