Applications for 2026 are closed.
Program Overview
The Grow Binghamton youth program provides meaningful employment for youth (ages 14-21) in the City of Binghamton. This program provides youth with the opportunity to build critical life and job skills while creating greater food security for Binghamton residents. Beginning with our six-week summer youth employment program, Grow Binghamton employees participate in every aspect of food production, from seed starting to distributing produce to Binghamton residents in need of access to fresh, affordable food and building community gardens.
In addition to their hard work that produces thousands of pounds of vegetables each year, youth learn soft skills such as accepting constructive criticism, communicating effectively, working in a group, and being punctual and reliable. The curriculum incorporates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through activities such as composting, soil health, engineering, etymology, and green infrastructure lessons. Broader learning concepts include building community, food policy, and comparisons of conventional and organic food systems. Youth also receive financial literacy training, interview prep, and resume writing skills.
The Fall of 2020 marked the launch of VINES’ youth employment programming during the academic year, offering 8 weeks of employment to 8 youth each fall and spring. The youth continue to work on the farm and in the community while gaining leadership skills. Those employed in the academic year program help build new community gardens and raised beds at the homes of local residents.
Read about the past Grow Binghamton Seasons here.
More information: Highlights from Past Seasons
The Many Facets of Grow Binghamton:
Experience in Agriculture
Field Trips
Workshops
For more information about VINES youth programs, contact us via email Max@vinesgardens.org or phone/text 607-216-8020.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at VINES, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sex, age, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.
Thank you to our corporate sponsors for supporting our Grow Binghamton Program!
Grow Binghamton is supported by and funded in part through: City of Binghamton CDBG, Broome County Youth Bureau, Broome County Department of Social Services, United Way of Broome County, M&T Foundation, Farm Credit East.
