Jones Valley Teaching Farm has successfully expanded its Apprenticeship Model thanks to support from the Holle Family Foundation. This program, which includes a high school internship and a summer apprenticeship, empowers Birmingham City Schools (BSC) students with paid job training, career exposure, and personal development opportunities.Â
This year, the internship expanded to all seven BCS high schools, doubling participation to 10 students. All eight seniors graduated, with plans for higher education; notably, two were valedictorians, and another was salutatorian. Interns honed skills in leadership, communication, agriculture, culinary arts, and professional development while earning certifications such as Food Handlers and OSHA General Industry Agriculture Certification.
Holle Family Foundation funds supported wages for interns and apprentices, enabling hands-on learning and enrichment experiences. These funds also helped sustain and expand the program, which is already preparing for its next cohort with an impressive 74 applications.
Through this initiative, Jones Valley is building pathways to economic mobility, opening doors to higher education and meaningful careers for Birmingham’s youth.
