About
Plant to Plate

Plant to Plate cultivates confident, capable young leaders through food, land, work, and belonging. Our paid internship program gives young people the opportunity to discover their strengths, develop practical skills, and build meaningful relationships that prepare them for life after high school.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to do work that matters, be known by caring adults, and experience the confidence that comes from realizing, "I can do hard things."

Student speaking at Plant to Plate graduation event.

What Students Learn

Students develop a deeper understanding of food systems by growing organic produce in an urban garden using sustainable, regenerative practices. Along the way, they learn patience, responsibility, environmental stewardship, and the satisfaction of seeing a project through from beginning to end.

Students learn:

Organic gardening and sustainable growing practices
Seasonal planting and harvesting
Soil health and regenerative agriculture
Food systems and environmental stewardship

GARDEN

Working alongside professional chefs, students prepare fresh, seasonal meals while learning the fundamentals of cooking, nutrition, food safety, and hospitality. Every lesson reinforces teamwork, communication, and pride in producing high-quality food for others.

Students gain experience in:

Professional kitchen operations
Nutrition and healthy cooking
Knife skills and food preparation
Food safety and sanitation

KITCHEN

Plant to Plate prepares students for success in any career by helping them develop the professional skills employers value most. Through hands-on projects, coaching, and real-world experiences, students learn how to communicate effectively, solve problems, work as part of a team, and navigate the expectations of the workplace.

Professional development includes:

Résumé writing and interview preparation
Public speaking and presentation skills
Time management and organization
Collaboration and constructive feedback
Basic financial and tax literacy

WORKPLACE

Beyond technical skills, Plant to Plate helps students build confidence, resilience, and the habits that support long-term success. Through mentorship, coaching, and meaningful responsibility, students strengthen the personal and interpersonal skills they'll carry into school, work, and life.

Students develop:

Self-advocacy, responsibility, and accountability
Stress management and self-regulation
Goal setting
Healthy living practices
Strong relationships with mentors and peers

LEADERSHIP & LIFE SKILLS

Together, We Intentionally Cultivate:

CONFIDENCE
By trying new things, setting goals, overcoming challenges, and discovering their strengths.

IDENTITY
By exploring their values, recognizing their gifts, and seeing themselves as capable contributors.

BELONGING
By becoming part of a supportive community where every young person is known, valued, and encouraged.

LEADERSHIP
By taking initiative, serving others, and learning to make a positive impact in their communities.

A Long-Term Investment in Young Leaders

Plant to Plate doesn't end after one internship. Our leadership model is designed to support students as they continue growing into confident professionals.

Group of students gardening in raised beds.

Tier 1 | Foundations

High school students participate in hands-on internships focused on farming, cooking, professional development, workplace communication, financial literacy, health and wellness, and transferable workplace skills.

Outcomes: Workforce readiness and confidence.

Student chef removing a tray of roasted food from a commercial oven

Tier 2 | Emerging Leaders

Graduates can return as paid Graduate Assistants, helping mentor current interns while continuing to develop their own leadership skills through individualized coaching and professional goal setting.

Outcomes: Applied leadership and personal growth.

Plant to Plate interns preparing food in a group cooking class.

Tier 3 | Apprentices

As graduates transition into the workforce, Plant to Plate continues providing coaching, mentorship, and professional support through employer partnerships and ongoing career development.

Outcomes: Long-term career success and stability.

Plant To Plate helped me gain hands-on experience cooking and gave me guidance, a supportive community and taught me skills I still use today.

Mateo Hernandez-Romo

2020 Plant to Plate Graduate

Be Part of the Story

Behind every confident young leader is a community that believed in them.

Plant to Plate brings together volunteers, chefs, educators, gardeners, business leaders, and community partners who invest in young people through mentorship, encouragement, and hands-on learning experiences.

Whether you're teaching a skill, sharing your career journey, or sponsoring an internship, your involvement helps create opportunities that can shape a young person's future.

Join us in cultivating the next generation of leaders.