YTOP

Youth Training & Opportunities Program:

Cook, Garden, Learn, and Grow with AFC

AFC’s youth interns engage in peer-led activities that aid in the development of career, leadership, advocacy, organizing, and wellness skills. This training takes place in the kitchen, garden, classroom, and even in the music studio. AFC’s youth are paid for their participation in the YTOP program as they learn farming, culinary, and entrepreneurial skills while increasing their positive social connections and developing their emotional well-being.

Grow Within Yourself, Your Home,
& Your Community

YTOP offers young people resources and support to grow experience and build skills toward their passions and careers. Through a combination of Community Learning Sessions and On-The-Job Training, AFC’s youth farm in urban garden plots, hone professional skills, learn about food justice and sustainable wellness practices, and expand their potential to create a strong and authentic future for themselves and their communities.

AFC’s Youth Training & Opportunities Program has reached capacity for the 2024 season! If you’re interested in being added to the waitlist, please reach out to our YTOP team via email at ytop@afcmn.org.

The Youth Are The Truth!

  • “Being able to connect with others from my community who are willing, determined, and dedicated to make the same change I want to make means everything to me.”

    - Savannah, YTOP Intern

  • "I was able to learn how to create and learn about foods that I probably wouldn’t have tasted on my own. I was in this program throughout high school helping friends from the community learn. My experience was very wholesome."

    Dash, YTOP Intern

  • "I got my first real experience with cooking which gave me the confidence to find a passion in making food. I would do it all over again if I could and would still recommend YTOP to young adults so that they can learn too."

    Dash, YTOP Intern

Have You Seen “GROW FOOD”?

GROW FOOD

was created as a capstone summer project by youth interns participating in YTOP. Operating under the moniker “Urban Youth,” these young people are activists, artists (rap, spoken word, dance and theatre), aspiring chefs, and entrepreneurs.
#TheYouthAreTheTruth

TRAP OR GROW

Written and produced by AFC Urban Youth, this song expands our message to not only be about healthy eating and living, but growing your personal and professional skills as well, inviting young people to explore the opportunities that AFC and programs like YTOP offer youth in North Minneapolis.

Check out AFC’s Youth in Action!

Interested in learning more? Check out AFC’s Community Cooks Workshops, Community Cooks Meal Boxes, and Urban Agriculture Program!