The Vineland Project is Thirt13n’s school-based agriculture program that takes students from seed to marketplace.
Modeled after Doorways2Construction, this pathway helps K–12 students discover horticulture, agriculture science, animal care, and agri-business — all while building real career skills in Virginia’s green and rural economies.
About the Program
Agriculture is changing — technology, sustainability, and food security are reshaping how we grow and how we work.
The Vineland Project makes sure young people are ready. Through hands-on learning, work-based experiences, and industry mentorship, students are introduced to modern farming, horticulture, animal science, and agri-entrepreneurship.
This program aligns to Thirt13n’s mission to break generational poverty through education and career pathways, and it ties directly into our wraparound student supports like The Jordan Way (character and leadership) and Christian’s Heart (family support).
Program Highlights
- School-based agriculture labs, gardens, and micro-farms
- K–12 progression from exposure to entrepreneurship
- Integration of agri-tech, sustainability, and STEM
- Partnerships with farms, universities, and industry mentors
- Pathways for rural and underserved youth
K-12 Pathway
Tier 1
Explorer (3–5)
Garden science, nature, and ‘where food comes from’. Students work in school gardens, do plant activities, and learn basic environmental care.
Tier 2
Builder (6–8)
Agriculture STEM, greenhouse management, and small animal care. Students begin to see agriculture as science and innovation.
Tier 3
Apprentice (9–10)
On-site or partner-farm experiences, animal husbandry, and sustainability projects. Students can start earning credentials.
Tier 4
Innovator (11–12)
Agri-business, farm-to-market, and youth-led enterprises (honey, herbs, produce). Students pitch to partners and local markets.
Tier 5
Professional (Postsecondary)
Transition to community college, university, or registered youth apprenticeship in agriculture, ag-tech, or environmental careers.
Partners & Ecosystem
The Vineland Project is designed to integrate seamlessly with local school divisions, Virginia’s agricultural community, higher-education institutions, and industry partners. Working together, these collaborators help build a strong, sustainable youth pipeline in agriculture, horticulture, and animal science.
This pathway introduces students to careers focused on plants, food systems, and animal care—preparing them for future opportunities across horticulture, crop and soil science, agribusiness, veterinary science, and related agricultural industries.
Get Involved
Thirt13n welcomes:
- School districts seeking a K–12 agriculture pathway
- Farms and agribusinesses willing to host student days or apprentices
- Corporate and foundation partners to underwrite labs, greenhouses, and student enterprises
- Volunteers and mentors through The Pact (P4CT)
Grow With Us — Inspire Youth Through Agriculture.
To bring The Vineland Project to your school or community, contact Thirt13n.