Urban Roots

Urban Roots is the Conservatory’s newest, intensive high school education program.

Participating students participate in a 6 week intensive internship that covers the basics of growing, gardening, the Conservatory, sustainability, child development, interpretation and entering the STEM career field. Teens earn a stipend for their work over the summer and develop mini-tours for use during the school year. During the school year, teens return to the Conservatory to lead visiting field trip groups around the Conservatory to earn public service credits, in addition to receiving additional training on professional skills, and access to homework help. This program supports the professional and personal development of participating teens, while also providing links and support for students’ academic work during the school year. All participating students attend Al Raby High School for Community and the Environment and will begin the Culinary Arts program in the fall.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [MA20-16-0031-16], Advocate Bethany Community Health Fund, Dr. Scholl Foundation and the Leo S. Guthman Fund.