Urban Agriculture Career Paths for High School Students

These careers emphasize accessible, hands-on opportunities that students can start right now, either through internships, side businesses, or community projects.

Careers High School Students Can Start Today

1. Urban Farmer (Small-Scale & Community Farming)

  • Start a microgreens or mushroom-growing business at home.

  • Volunteer or intern at a local urban farm or community garden.

  • Sell fresh produce at farmers' markets or through CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs.

Skills Needed:
✅ Basic gardening and soil health
✅ Business & marketing strategies
✅ Community engagement

2. Hydroponic & Indoor Farming Entrepreneur

  • Set up a hydroponic or aquaponic system in a small space.

  • Sell hydroponically grown lettuce, herbs, or strawberries to local restaurants.

  • Offer home hydroponic setup services for individuals or schools.

Skills Needed:
✅ Understanding of hydroponic systems
✅ Water and nutrient management
✅ Business development

3. Floral Designer & Urban Floriculture Specialist

  • Start a small floristry business for bouquets, weddings, or events.

  • Grow specialty cut flowers in small urban spaces and sell them at markets.

  • Create custom houseplant designs for offices, businesses, and homes.

Skills Needed:
✅ Floral arrangement and design
✅ Customer service & event planning
✅ Plant propagation

4. Beekeeper & Urban Pollinator Advocate

  • Set up and maintain beehives for honey production.

  • Work with community gardens to promote pollinator-friendly plants.

  • Sell honey, beeswax candles, or other hive products.

Skills Needed:
✅ Beekeeping & hive management
✅ Knowledge of pollinator-friendly plants
✅ Marketing & sales

5. Urban Agriculture Social Media Influencer & Educator

  • Start a YouTube channel or TikTok documenting urban farming techniques.

  • Offer virtual or in-person workshops on gardening, composting, or floristry.

  • Write a blog or create educational content on sustainability and urban ag.

Skills Needed:
✅ Video editing & content creation
✅ Public speaking & teaching
✅ Knowledge of urban farming techniques

Careers with Training, Apprenticeships, or Certification

6. Urban Farm & Greenhouse Technician

  • Maintain and manage greenhouse crops for schools, businesses, or local farms.

  • Work with hydroponic or aquaponic farms for year-round food production.

Recommended Training:
🎓 Agricultural tech programs
🎓 Greenhouse management courses

7. Farm-to-Table Chef or Local Food Entrepreneur

  • Create a food business using locally sourced ingredients.

  • Partner with urban farmers to develop a unique menu or catering service.

Recommended Training:
🎓 Culinary arts classes with a farm-to-table focus
🎓 Food safety certification

8. Sustainable Landscape Designer & Urban Greenspace Developer

  • Design community gardens, rooftop farms, and pollinator-friendly urban landscapes.

  • Help install edible landscaping for homes and businesses.

Recommended Training:
🎓 Landscape architecture or horticulture courses
🎓 Hands-on apprenticeship with a local landscape company

These careers allow students to start small, build hands-on experience, and expand into larger business opportunities or higher education.

Join the Movement

Are you a CTAE student or teacher? Or maybe even a parent or community member who works with youth interested in exploring urban agriculture? Join the conversation at Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency and be part of a community dedicated to the future of farming!

agriculture, food access, wellnessK Gordon