Growing Leaders: Inside the Nemas Gardens Youth Apprenticeship Program

What if high school students could graduate with more than classroom knowledge, but with real experience, real skills, and a clear sense of direction for what comes next?

At Nemas Gardens, that idea is becoming reality through the Youth Apprenticeship Program, a hands-on opportunity for Maryland high school students to step into urban agriculture, environmental education, and sustainable growing while earning and learning at the same time.

The program is about experience as much as it is about education. Students work directly in gardens and community spaces where they learn by doing. Through Apprenticeship Maryland, they are able to earn while they learn, connecting classroom concepts to real-world application in a meaningful way.

On any given day, apprentices are out in the garden planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops, while learning seasonal growing cycles and how ecosystems function. But their role goes beyond the garden itself. Students also help lead activities, support community programs, and share their experiences through storytelling and creative work. Over time, they begin to see themselves as leaders as much as learners.

Alongside hands-on work, students also participate in structured learning through Career and Technical Education courses and Nemas Gardens workshops. They explore topics like plant science, environmental literacy, and lesson planning while also building essential skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership that carry into any future career path.

One of the most impactful parts of the program is that students are paid for their time. As apprentices, they earn hourly wages while gaining experience in a supportive, mentor-guided environment where feedback and encouragement are part of the process.

The program opens doors to many different futures. Some students may continue into agriculture or environmental work, while others are inspired to pursue education, science, or community leadership. No matter the path, they leave with a stronger understanding of themselves and the impact they can make.

At its core, the Youth Apprenticeship Program is about growth in every sense of the word. It gives young people the opportunity to work with their hands, think critically, and stay connected to their communities while building something that lasts far beyond the garden. Most importantly, it helps them realize they are already capable of shaping the future.

Visit WWW.NemasGardens.com/WorkWithUs for more information.