Young Farmers Project
At UFI we strive to include youth in all our farm programs because we believe that no community wellness movement or land-based project is complete without the voices and participation of young people. During the school year, we partner with schools with the purpose of recultivating the role that food and land have in growing a healthier community, and over the summer we offer a 6-week immersive program for youth, known as the Young Farmers Project (formerly The Garden).
2026 applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until Monday, May 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM, or until all positions have been filled.
Young Farmers Project Internship
A 6-week paid internship at UFI centering leadership and care for ourselves and each other
This summer the Urban Farming Institute is inviting a small cohort of youth to join us on the farm in our movement toward building a healthy community. Young Farmers Project is a program that will serve as a site of belonging and transformation for youth where we will combine hands-on land-based skills, art, collective leadership, civic engagement, and political education to develop a loving relationship with the land, ourselves, and each other.
Together we will...
Learn how to grow food through hands-on farming
Explore nature and our local ecosystems
Make art, share food, and move our bodies
Design a community action project based on the needs in our lives and community
Share what we learn with our community
Consider our passions, experiences, and skills in creating positive social change
Program Dates:
July 6 – August 14 (6 weeks)
This program will run from Monday – Friday (28 hours/week)
9:00 am - 3:00 pm (Wednesdays 9:00 am - 1:00 pm)
Location:
Urban Farming Institute
487 Norfolk Street
Mattapan, MA 02186
Compensation: $16/hour; 28 hours per week
What happens on a typical day?
We start the day with an introduction and group warm up.
Next, we head to one of our farm sites where we will meet the production team for our hands-on farming skill share. We will spend this time doing all types of farm tasks such as trellising, harvesting, weeding, mulching, etc.
Mealtimes are a chance for us all to get to know each other better and have fun. While you will be expected to bring food for yourself most days, we will have light refreshments and depending on the season, there is an option to harvest our own food and collectively cook lunch for each other.
After we clean up, we will engage in whatever our daily afternoon activity or workshop is (some days this is a guest skill share, others it is work on our community action project, or supporting our weekly farmstand on Fridays).
Daily Schedule
9:00-9:30 am Welcome & Warm up
9:30 am-12:00 pm Hands on the Land
12:00-12:45 pm Lunch
12:45-2:30 pm Workshop (Farming & Land, Community, Guest skill share)
2:30-3:00 pm Closing Circle
Off-Site Learning
Once a week we will either spend the entire day or half the day doing some off-site learning at one of UFI’s local partners or inspiring organizations. Some of last year’s off-site learning partners included Revival Road Farm, Thornton Street Farm, The Farm School, and Soul Fire Farm. This year we will be doing an overnight learning opportunity at The Farm School in Athol, MA (August 6-7, transportation and housing provided). Applicants are required to attend this trip.
Who should apply?
Young Farmers Project is a program for highly dedicated individuals who are committed to social justice and equity, are eager to get their hands dirty, and are willing to learn more about urban agriculture. Young Farmers Project is an immersive 6-week program for youth ages 14-21 from the Mattapan, Roxbury, and Dorchester neighborhoods who are passionate about nature, community wellness, and activism.
About the Urban Farming Institute
Urban Farming Institute (UFI) is a pioneering organization dedicated to the development and promotion of urban farming practices, working diligently to engage individuals and foster a vibrant, healthy community.
We recognize the immense potential of urban agriculture as a means to address various societal challenges, including food insecurity, limited access to fresh produce, and the decline of community connections. With a mission deeply rooted in sustainability and social equity, we strive to empower individuals and neighborhoods by creating opportunities for meaningful engagement in the cultivation of food.
Accessibility
Fowler Clark Epstein Farm in Mattapan is wheelchair accessible and has 4 bathrooms on site.
Our other farm sites vary in accessibility.
At Fowler Clark Epstein Farm, we will also have access to the shared kitchen space (drinkable water, plates, cups, utensils, fridge, microwave, and dishwasher)
Farming is physical work, and we are often outside in most weather conditions unless there is inclement weather.
Community Guidelines
I will respect the people – no matter what race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age – by using their requested name/pronoun and by listening to what they have to say.
I will respect the land by picking up my trash, walking on pathways (not on beds), being gentle with plants, animals, and tools.
I will respect myself by learning as much as I can and doing my best. I will set my cell phone aside, except to take photos. I will stay safe and not wander off. I will speak from the heart.
I will respect the home by cleaning up after myself, including dishes. I will ask before using things in the Education Center.
I will respect the youth by using strategies like mediation, question asking, mindfulness to resolve conflict rather than scolding, assigning blame, or punishing.
*Thank you to Soul Fire Farm for their inspiration, dedication and work with developing community safe space language. *
Timeline
Applications Open: Tuesday, April 1, 2026
Applications Close: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until Monday, May 25, 11:59 pm, or until all positions have been filled
Group Interviews: TBD - There will be a follow-up interview with staff and other applicants
Orientation Day: (If hired) Friday, June 26, 2026, 9 am-1 pm
>>>Interested? Apply here!<<<