The DPS Garden of Youth (GOY) program provides job and life skill training to high school students with disabilities.   Students complete interviews and are hired as paid interns, working in teams at eight schools across Denver.  Interns experience work as active and vital participants in their community; bringing healthy, fresh food to local residents and businesses while simultaneously learning about nutrition, healthy lifestyles and practicing their job skills.

Students engage in planting, maintaining and harvesting fresh vegetables and herbs.  Seedlings are cultivated in special education classrooms by students.  Plants are transplanted to garden plots and tended by paid student interns selected to continue with the program during the summer.  Garden of Youth interns sell harvested produce at local Farmers Markets.

Dedicated DPS staff mentor students through the summer to successfully market and sell produce, providing training in the areas of independence, job readiness, merchandising and customer service.  These skills are transferable to any job a student may pursue after the season is complete.

Interns participate in cooking classes led by a local chef offering instruction in preparation techniques and nutrition.  Students are encouraged to take home any produce that their family will use.  We are dedicated to connecting the organic produce to school cafeterias through the DPS Garden to Cafeteria program and local food banks.

All participants earn high school credit for work hours completed.  Those who wish to continue working during the summer will earn both school credit and an hourly wage.  Currently, eight schools across the host Garden of Youth program.