YEP! Youth Education Program
| positively impacting physical, mental, social and developmental health |
Victory Garden Initiative’s Youth Education Program (YEP!) highlights growing food and environmental stewardship while positively impacting food security for Milwaukee youth. Victory Garden Urban Farm, a 1.5-acre farm oasis located directly in Harambee neighborhood, is the ideal outdoor classroom for teaching practical gardening skills, composting, and nutrition, while giving tools to construct their very own local food system. Combined with Victory Garden Initiative headquarters near the farm, and at surrounding schools, YEP! is a year-round program for Milwaukee youth
to build resilience
through
growing food independence
developing skills in the kitchen and garden
addressing behavioral challenges
making friends
& fostering food security.
YEP! Programming
Chef-in-Training Program
An after-school program that runs throughout the academic year. Our Youth Education Programs Coordinator teaches children how to prepare fresh, organic foods with simple recipes they can take home. We teach the students about food independence, through growing their own food in garden beds on school premises. The program supports healthy eating, teaching sustainable food systems, and cooking literacy to bolster childhood development. This YEP! initiative currently works in conjunction with Milwaukee Public Schools.
Summer Agricorp Program
This program runs through the summer months from June through August. This hands-on program invites children to join us on our 1.5-acre urban farm allowing them to increase their knowledge of fruits and vegetables, while learning the nutritional value of the food they are eating. The children also learn about teamwork, community organizing, and leadership skills. This YEP! initiative currently works in conjunction with Milwaukee Public Schools.
4-H Club - Coming Spring 2025!
Discover how your youth, as well as your family, can embark on a rewarding journey of gardening, sustainability, and community involvement. The Victory Garden Initiative empowers families to grow their own food, promoting healthy living and environmental stewardship. Additionally, the 4-H Program offers diverse opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills, explore new interests, and make lifelong friends through hands-on projects and activities. Youth aged 5 years through high school are welcome to join 4-H. There are no memberships dues!
INFORMATION MEETING: Saturday, March 8, 1-3 p.m.
Join us in the VGI Farmhouse to hear from our VGI 4H Leaders as well as our 4-H Program Coordinator with the UW-Madison Extension office of Milwaukee County. Ask questions, and see how the soon-to-be-established Victory Garden Initiative 4H Club can benefit your family. Your input will help guide the direction of 4H with VGI.
Light refreshments and fun activities for the kids will be provided. Please RSVP to let us know you will be joining us, or if you cannot attend but want to learn more about how to get involved.
https://forms.gle/quDsBNJMokvWCc7y8
We look forward to seeing you there and starting this exciting adventure together!
This YEP! initiative is presented in partnership with the UW-Madison Extension Service.
Summer AgriCorps
The Summer Agricorp program offers youth in the Harambee/Rivewest neighborhoods and beyond an extended summer experience on the farm. This program is open to Harambee/Riverwest youth ages 8-14.
