This summer, we’ve been hosting a new cohort of Youth Scholars for our Youth Environmental Academy (YEA). This group of 13 young people have been gaining work experience while learning from an environmental literacy curriculum, Roots of Success. They are paid for their summer internship with us, and as part of their weekly schedule, help staff the Farmers’ Market and Farm Fresh Choice stand. YEA also includes Cooking Matters classes to learn practical healthy cooking skills, along with field trips to destinations like Pie Ranch and our EcoHouse.
Having a cadre of youth around makes the summer go by fast! Their graduation is just around the corner. In the meantime, here’s a glimpse into who they are. Say hello if you have the chance to meet one of these scholars!
Dante
How old are you? 15
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? I like to hang out with friends and paint.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? I really enjoy working at the farmer’s market because I get to eat a lot of yummy fruit.
What’s your spirit animal? A monkey!
Shivam
How old are you? 16
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? I like to play outside.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? Working at the farmers’ markets.
What’s your spirit animal? A wolf.
Tunji
How old are you? 15
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? Biking and listening to music.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? I really like the farmers’ market shifts because I get to be more involved with the community.
What’s your spirit animal? A cat.
Ezra
How old are you? 16
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? Basketball, hiking, swimming, and working out.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? Being able to learn from Ms. G and the other teachers about agriculture in our community, and being able to work at the farmers’ markets. I like working at the farmers’ markets because I get to see the farmers and hang out with the other youth scholars.
What’s your spirit animal? A dragon.
Mayumi
How old are you? 16
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? I play soccer and like to go hiking in Tilden.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? I like to help people shopping at the farmers’ markets, and learn about the various environmental issues in our community and their solutions.
What’s your spirit animal? A dolphin.
Julia
How old are you? 16
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? I do yoga and do a lot of hiking with my friends, and I meditate and run.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? I like working at the farmers’ market because I like making connections with the farmers.
What’s your spirit animal? A sea lion.
Simone
How old are you? 15
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? I do a lot of art, mostly multimedia stuff like painting and sculpting, and I play volleyball.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? I love helping out at the farmers’ markets because I like being able to interact with the community, and support it.
What’s your spirit animal? A wolf, or bear.
Waleed
How old are you? 17
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? I play basketball and jog.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? My favorite role is engaging in the Roots of Success class every week. My favorite subject was the water module.
What’s your spirit animal? A lion.
Theo
How old are you? 15
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? I play lacrosse and like to draw.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? I enjoy cooking with the Cooking Matters class because the food is good.
What’s your spirit animal? A flamingo.
Raquel
How old are you? 16
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? I like to bake cakes.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? I like working at the farm fresh choice stand because I like working outside.
What’s your spirit animal? An elephant.
Julian
How old are you? 22
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? I play video games, go hiking, swimming, and biking. Sometimes I go to the gym or play tennis.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? I enjoy talking about food justice and working with fellow scholars.
What’s your spirit animal? A tiger.
Maria
How old are you? 16
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? I play volleyball and dance.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? I enjoy working at the farmers’ market and educating the shoppers.
What’s your spirit animal? A cheetah.
Caleb
How old are you? 15
What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities? Drawing and playing basketball.
What’s your favorite role as a scholar and why? I like learning about the environment and completing Roots of Success.
What’s your spirit animal? A bear.
