The Apprenticeship uses a hands-on, plain-language, and team-focused approach to introduce students to production-oriented urban farming systems. We encourage students to join an ever-evolving community of practice whose mission is the practical application of horticultural knowledge through farming for defined markets. We offer an adaptive curriculum, curated from a variety of sources, instructed by practitioners with a range of experiences, and serving the needs of diverse learners. The USDA defines a “beginning farmer” as someone who has farmed for 10 years or less—the Apprenticeship helps its students begin or continue their journey as beginning farmers. Students can take additional 14-week evening courses now being developed, (e.g., Local Foods Business and Entrepreneurship), and graduates are also eligible to become incubator farmers for up to two years at Windy City Harvest’s Legends Farm, 4500 S. Dearborn Street.
Illinois