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Empowering Milwaukee's Youth Through Urban Agriculture, Leadership, and Environmental Sustainability Growing Youth Leadership (GYL) is Walnut Way Conservation Corp's signature summer internship program that engages local teens in intensive urban agriculture education, leadership development, and job training. Through hands-on experience, youth transform vacant lots into productive gardens and orchards while developing valuable skills and contributing to community wellness. Program Overview Growing Youth Leadership offers Milwaukee youth the opportunity to: Gain intensive training in sustainable urban agriculture practices Develop leadership skills through hands-on community projects Earn income while learning valuable job skills Contribute to neighborhood food security and environmental stewardship Engage in civic activities that strengthen our community Through this transformative program, teens grow and harvest a wide range of chemical-free vegetables and fruits, from tending beans on reclaimed mini vegetable farms to picking peaches in urban orchards and creating value-added products like jams for local farmers markets. Impact & Outcomes "It's about taking care of what you have, taking pride, having ownership and helping each other out." - Kimora Eubanks, 18-year-old GYL intern Each growing season, GYL employs local teens to work in Walnut Way gardens and at partner sites like Alice's Garden. Throughout the program, participants engage in civic engagement and environmental stewardship activities-key components of the Walnut Way mission. GYL creates multiple community benefits: Grows young environmental leaders Transforms once-vacant lots into productive gardens and orchards Produces an abundance of fresh food that increases neighborhood access to healthy options Supports Lindsay Heights' economic and environmental development Program Details Who: Milwaukee youth ages 14-19 When: Summer season (June-August) Where: Walnut Way gardens and partner sites throughout Lindsay Heights Activities include: Planting and harvesting organic produce Learning sustainable growing practices Creating value-added products Selling at local markets Participating in leadership development workshops Engaging with community members The GYL Experience ![Youth harvesting vegetables in community garden] (Image placeholder) Participants in the Growing Youth Leadership program don't just learn about agriculture-they become agents of positive change in their community. From weeding rows of vegetables on thriving mini-farms that once stood as abandoned lots to picking fresh fruit from urban orchards planted by their peers, GYL interns experience firsthand how their work contributes to community transformation. Under the guidance of our Urban Agriculture Coordinator, interns develop practical skills while contributing to Walnut Way's mission of creating an economically diverse community through environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic development Why GYL Matters Growing Youth Leadership is a powerful way to engage and employ youth in our community to steward the land and revitalize the neighborhood. The program continues to support our mission to sustain transformation by advancing economically diverse and abundant communities through civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and creating venues for prosperity. In Lindsay Heights, where 96% of residents are African American and many families face economic challenges, GYL offers meaningful opportunities for youth development while addressing community needs for fresh, healthy food and environmental justice Join Our Community of Young Leaders ![Youth selling produce at farmers market] (Image placeholder) Applications for Summer 2025 will open in March Interested in becoming a GYL intern? Want to support the program? There are many ways to get involved: Apply: Youth ages 14-19 can apply for paid summer internships Volunteer: Community members can support our gardens and youth programs Donate: Contributions help fund internship positions and program supplies Partner: Organizations can collaborate on educational or community projects Youth Leadership is made possible through the generous support of our community partners and donors, including the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation, Zilber Family Foundation, and others who believe in the power of youth to transform communities.Related Programs at Walnut Way Blue Skies Landscaping: Professional landscaping services employing neighborhood residents Wellness Programs: Activities promoting community health and well-being Environmental Justice Initiative: Addressing environmental justice concerns in our community The Healing Garden: Youth programming focused on community and creativity6Walnut Way Conservation Corp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit neighborhood organization founded in 2000 by Lindsay Heights residents to reclaim and redevelop the economic health and vitality of their community.

< Back Jasmin Hoover Urban Ag Coordinator Jasmin Hoover is the Urban Agriculture Manager at Walnut Way, passionately overseeing Walnut Way Gardens & Orchard and ensuring fresh produce reaches the Lindsay Heights and the broader community. With over 10 years of experience in gardening, food production, and restaurant management—including expertise in food preservation—Jasmin also supervises the Growing Youth Leadership program. Her leadership supports community health, urban agriculture, and youth development at Walnut Way. jhoover@walnutway.org 414-264-2326

< Back Monique Graham Secretary of the Board Monique Graham has 20 years of experience in community development and board work. She is an expert in governance structures and has a deep understanding of how to create a high-performing board. Monique is passionate about helping organizations reach their full potential through her keen insights and collaborative approach. She works tirelessly to ensure that all decisions taken by the board are sound and beneficial for the organization. Her vast knowledge and expertise in the field has enabled her to be an effective Secretary of the Board for many years. Monique values transparency, respect, and collaboration when working with stakeholders, ensuring success time after time.

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< Back Heidi Moore HR Committee Chair Lindsay Heights resident dedicated to community and economic development in the city of Milwaukee. Serving on multiple boards. Experienced Director of Emerging Markets, Diversity, and Inclusion, with a proven track record in various industries including B2B, clinical, consumer goods, durable goods, financial services, healthcare, hospital, IT, resort, and wealth management.

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< Back Jevon Prowell Blue Skies Supervisor Blue Skies Landscaping Facilities & Crew Support Specialist Certified Equipment Operator (Mini Excavator, Track Loader) 35-hour Green Infrastructure Training (Water Environment Federation approved) Resident Preferred Program (RPP) Certified SAWW (Safety and Woods Worker) Training Level 1 Certified First Aid CPR AED Certified Jevon Prowell is the Blue Skies Landscaping Crew Lead at Walnut Way, bringing 13 years of landscaping experience and a genuine love for working outdoors. A natural people person, Jevon leads by example, supporting all aspects of landscape maintenance, urban agriculture, and campus upkeep. He is skilled in landscape installations, horticulture, and operating a variety of equipment, and is known for his dependability, attention to detail, and commitment to Walnut Way’s mission of building a thriving, green community. jprowell@walnutway.org (414) 296-1130

< Back Alysha Holmes HR Manager Alysha Holmes brings a wealth of lived experience and potential to her role as Human Resources Manager at Walnut Way Conservation Corps. A recent graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical College, Alysha also pursuing studies at Marquette University, combining academic excellence with practical skills. As a dedicated HR professional, Alysha has a proven track record of implementing effective human resources strategies. Her expertise in staffing, recruitment, and retention is crucial for building and maintaining the strong team necessary to drive Walnut Way's vision forward. Alysha's educational background and fresh perspective position her well to contribute to Walnut Way's successful programming initiatives. Her role is pivotal in ensuring the organization has the human capital needed to achieve its goals and make a positive impact in the community. With her commitment to excellence and understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of human resources management, Alysha is poised to play a key role in Walnut Way's continued growth and success. alyshadholmes@walnutway.org 414.264.2326 Ext 872

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< Back Terrance Rayford Blue Skies Landscaping Crew Terrence is a good communicator and highly motivated individual with two years of landscaping experience. As a member of the Blue Skies Landscaping crew at Walnut Way, Terrence supports landscape maintenance, urban agriculture, and campus upkeep, working outdoors in all conditions. He is skilled with commercial equipment, friendly, dependable, and committed to advancing Walnut Way’s mission of building a greener, healthier community.

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