Growing People
Education & Outreach
We are committed to fostering critical thinking and “inquiring minds” in our participants. We use a hands-on approach to teach STEM through practical application at our cutting-edge, sustainable farm. Students learn biology and ecology while working directly with our fish and plants; physics of fluid flow and systems engineering; and computer programming for automation and monitoring. In addition to STEM knowledge, students gain soft skills like customer service, dependability, and leadership training. Our staff of professional coaches and educators work with our students’ school system to advocate, increase engagement, and ensure academic success. After high school, we encourage participation in higher education through scholarship funding and advocacy.
Community Development
As a local organization, Blooming Health Farms is dedicated to contributing to the well-being of our community in Northern Colorado. We hope that our center will be a home for many community programs. We look forward to hosting opportunities such as home aquaponics courses, nutrition and cooking classes, and events that build community health and connection.
Mental Health Services
An essential part of our program at Blooming Health Farms is the individual and group therapy services in which our youth employees participate. We employ Master’s level counselors and social workers to provide comprehensive mental health support scientifically proven to reduce youth involvement in crime and gang activity by up to 90%.
We seek to employ 10 youth who are at-risk of involvement, or who are currently involved with the justice system. These youth participants receive STEM and job-skills training, and participate in a comprehensive mental health program detailed below. In return they are given a generous paycheck and are taught how to cook nutritious meals for their families. These life skills go a long way toward reducing need for criminal involvement.
Mentorship Training
The youth who participate in our program are the innovators, makers, and leaders of the future. To foster strong leadership ability, Blooming Health Farms has instituted an invitational mentorship program. Through proven mentorship training by industry leaders, our mentors gain the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary to shape the future of Northern Colorado.
Mentors are selected based on engagement in mental health services, motivation in employment, and a drive to help others. These mentors are assigned to a member of the board, executive team, staff, or community partner from whom they receive guidance in management and people skills, business administration, and community collaboration. Each mentor is assigned a junior employee with whom they work to develop job skills, motivation, and integrity. Participation in the mentorship program enhances employees’ resume, college applications, and ability to advance in future endeavors.
Our Team
Our team is always growing as we move forward. Interested in becoming part of our team? Contact Sean Short at [email protected]