Mission Statement
Groundbreakers empowers disadvantaged men and women in King County, Washington, by offering a hands-on educational work training program in sustainable, organic agriculture.
Through education, empowerment, and the unification of our diverse urban and rural communities, our vision is to transform lives, create a sustainable economy, and promote equal access to local, organic food for all.
Description
The goal of Groundbreakers is to prepare unemployed, underemployed or previously incarcerated persons, and homeless adults for careers in farming, plant nurseries, landscaping, or parks and recreation.
Up to 10 students may be enrolled in each class cycle. Participants attend training Monday through Friday each week, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Groundbreakers offers students free transportation between the farm and Seattle each day.
The 16-week curriculum includes "hands-on" training by our experienced Field Trainers. There will be no more than 4 students per Field Trainer. The program will cover the following:
- Farming Techniques and Methods
- Plant Health, Pathology and Pests
- Composting, Cover Crops and Rotation
- Permaculture/Polyculture
- Propagating and Greenhouse Basics
- Harvesting and Food Preservation
- Farm Management and Safety
- 2 Internships, 4 Field Trips and A Growing Competition
Throughout the program, Groundbreakers teaches the importance of job-readiness skills such as positive work attitude, teamwork, punctuality, computer literacy, resume writing, and interviewing techniques.
Groundbreakers can offer a constructive solution and help end the difficult cycle of homelessness and unemployment in King County. This is a solution that works for everyone: employers get qualified employees, and men and women in need of a good job get work in their field of interest.
