The Summer Youth Apprenticeship Program Graduation
This summer, Urban Tilth wrapped up another inspiring season of the Summer Youth Apprenticeship Program, where 40 West County youth dedicated six weeks (and over 100 hours) to learning, growing, and leading at farms, gardens, and restoration sites across Richmond. From creek stewardship to storytelling, the apprentices dove into the deep work of environmental and food justice, while building real-world skills on the land. They spent their summer planting and harvesting crops, caring for orchards and gardens, restoring creeks and watersheds, and uplifting community stories. Alongside Urban Tilth staff, youth learned not only how to grow food, but also how to grow leadership, confidence, and a deeper connection to the land and each other.
The graduation ceremony was held outdoors under the summer sun, surrounded by the very land the apprentices had been caring for. Program directors kicked things off with heartfelt speeches that set the tone for an afternoon of gratitude and celebration. Each project area then came forward to recognize its apprentices: Ujima Collective, Orchard For All, the North Richmond Farm, North Richmond Storytellers, the Watershed Crew, and the Greenway Community Gardens. One by one, apprentices were celebrated not just for their work in the field, but also for their personal growth, leadership, and the ways they supported their peers.
Some apprentices were recognized for their steady dedication to hard work, others for the warmth and positivity they brought to their teams, and still others for being strong advocates for their fellow apprentices. The air was filled with pride and applause as youth accepted their awards and their mentors spoke about their contributions. As apprentice Raniyah Burney reflected, “A great life lesson I learned from a lead is the importance of patience and listening.”
To close the event, a group of apprentices stepped up to the mic to share reflections of their own, speaking powerfully about what they learned, how they grew, and why the work of stewarding land and feeding the community matters to them. “I learned about growing my own food and what plants are used for healing,” said Paris Howard. Apprentice Prince Williams shared, “I learned to stop trying to control every little detail because you can’t and you are just going to be frustrated by it.”
Others reflected on the bigger lessons they’ll carry forward. “Take the lesson, not the story,” said Terry Bell. “Something I learned was to be nice because you never know what someone is going through,” added Yadhira. Elmer Colomo put it simply: “We can’t control everything around us to be perfect; we can only control ourselves to be the best we can.”
One apprentice admitted in their end-of-summer speech that they thought this would just be another summer job, show up, clock in, clock out. Instead, they found themselves having fun: going on field trips, cooking and sharing meals, laughing and bonding with their peers. What surprised them even more was how much they learned along the way.
The Summer Youth Apprenticeship became more than work; it was a chance to dig into environmental justice, food sovereignty, and community care. Together with Urban Tilth staff, apprentices planted and harvested food, restored watersheds, shared community stories, and delivered fresh produce to local families, all while picking up real hands-on skills and wisdom from farmers, land stewards, and social justice leaders.
The 2025 apprentices have now completed their summer journeys, but their impact will continue to ripple through Richmond’s gardens, creeks, and communities for seasons to come.
