Sembrando Cambios

Youth Ambassadors

Launched in January 2025, CRECE's Sembrando Cambios program empowers youth to transform their relationship with food, land, and community through hands-on urban farming experiences.

The inaugural cohort—four passionate students from Santa Ana—completed a comprehensive five-month journey combining practical agricultural training with educational workshops. At Grace Community Farm, these young ambassadors cultivated everything from seeds to trees while mastering essential frameworks including Food Sovereignty, Just Transition, Agroecology, and Health Equity. Their work not only supported CRECE's rebuilding efforts but also established them as emerging leaders in sustainable urban agriculture, creating pathways for future generations to connect with their food systems and cultural heritage.

  • Annette 'Toby'

    “Food plays an important role in my life because I get to try different types of dishes from where both of my parents are from. I get to listen to how the food was culturally important to them growing up, so I feel very lucky to try how delicious their traditional dishes are.”

  • Oscar

    “In 10 years I can see myself spreading the art of food to everyone. I hope to continue to cook and incorporate the values of food that CRECE has taught me into my work. I want to spread the importance of healthy and sustainable food to everyone so that they can fully understand why we need to respect the earth and create food in a considerate way.”

  • Don

    “One thing that inspired me to join the program was connecting with my community and life on earth.

    Something I was hoping to learn in my time here was making new connections with other people and learning about plant life. I’m most excited to plant herbs on the farm.”


  • Isabella

    “Urban agriculture means that we can still grow natural and healthy fruits and vegetables when we don’t have that much space. Urban agriculture is important so that we can learn from it and take this with us to teach other people. If urban farming was more normalized we could make our community and circles a better place.”

Applications for CRECE's Youth Ambassador Program — Cohort 4 — are officially OPEN!

Ever wondered what it's like to grow your own food from seed to plate? Through Sembrando Cambios (Sowing Change), high school students get hands-on experience in urban farming while diving into its deep connections to social justice and community empowerment.

WHO? 🌾
High schoolers based in Orange County.

WHEN? 📅
Cohort 4 runs August 2027–January 2027, meeting every other Saturday (holiday breaks excluded).

  • Farm Days: 9AM–2PM

  • Capstone Meetings: ~2 hours, 1–2x/month

WHERE? 📍

  • Farm Days: Grace Community Farm, Orange

  • Capstone Planning: El Centro Cultural, Santa Ana
    (Transportation support available!)

WHAT TO EXPECT 🥬
Days kick off with hands-on farming before shifting into lessons on food sovereignty, just transition, and social justice. Ambassadors manage their own plot, plan a culminating closing ceremony, and are supported every step of the way by staff and peer mentors—plus field trips and guest speakers along the way!

WHY JOIN? 🥕
Get rooted in your community while exploring how agriculture intersects with science, health, culinary arts, and more. Ambassadors also receive a monthly stipend, professional networking opportunities, and mentorship.

DEADLINES ⏰
Apply by July 29th for priority consideration (not guaranteed, but prioritized!). Final deadline: August 5th.

Know a high schooler curious about agriculture, health, science, and equity? Send them this way! 🌻

Apply now