Seeds of Change | Youth Leaders Trainings – The American Preventive Health Organization

Seeds of Change: Growing Future Leaders in Health & Sustainability is a transformative youth training initiative, initiated in 2025, designed to cultivate leadership, health literacy, and sustainable living skills in Florida’s next generation. This innovative program empowers youth to take charge of their health, their environment, and their futures, addressing critical gaps in education and community wellbeing.

According to the Florida Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), nearly 1 in 3 high school students are either overweight or obese, with many reporting poor nutritional habits and limited physical activity. Additionally, less than 40% of Florida youth meet recommended daily vegetable intake, while over 70% exceed recommended screen time. These trends highlight an urgent need to improve health literacy and instill lifelong wellness habits.

Environmental awareness is also lacking: A study by the University of Florida’s Center for Public Issues Education found that only 37% of Floridian teens feel confident in their knowledge about sustainability, and fewer than 25% have participated in environmental stewardship programs.

Furthermore, leadership development is often inaccessible to underserved communities. In fact, youth from low-income households are 60% less likely to have access to extracurricular leadership programs, according to the Afterschool Alliance.

Seeds of Change fills this gap by providing hands-on education in nutrition, environmental sustainability, herbal wellness, and community-based leadership. Through urban gardening, mentorship, and workshops on holistic health, the program fosters empowered, environmentally conscious, and resilient young leaders prepared to make meaningful changes.

What Do Youth Learn?

Sustainable Agriculture & Innovative Growing Systems

Youth receive hands-on training that connects them to the land, their communities, and the future of sustainable living through farming, equity, and innovation.

Learn organic farming methods and eco-friendly cultivation
Explore aquaponics and hydroponics as sustainable growing systems
Understand soil health, safety, and the impact of soil depletion
Practice safe agricultural techniques that protect people and the planet
Study the effects of pesticides, chemicals, and climate on food systems
Investigate the link between agriculture, nutrition, and environmental justice
Use tools and practices for sustainable, small-scale food production
Participate in youth-led gardening, composting, and food-sharing projects

Healthy Food Labs

As part of the Seeds of Change program, youth gain valuable skills in nutrition and food literacy. They not only learn how to prepare healthy meals but also develop an understanding of how food choices impact their bodies, minds, and overall wellbeing.

Learn to cook healthy, balanced meals
Use fresh, seasonal, and garden-grown ingredients
Understand how nutrients affect energy and health
Recognize the impact of sugar and processed foods
Read and interpret food nutrition labels
Explore connections between diet and mood
Discover traditional and herbal food practices
Make informed food choices for lifelong wellness

Holistic Health & Preventive Education

The Seeds of Change program integrates lessons that promote a well-rounded understanding of physical wellness, mental well-being, and the importance of making proactive health choices. These lessons help youth build a foundation for lifelong resilience and self-care.

Practice regular physical activity and movement
Learn stress reduction and mindfulness techniques
Understand the connection between body and mind
Explore the importance of sleep and rest
Identify healthy coping strategies for emotions
Recognize early signs of mental health concerns
Build confidence in making healthy life decisions
Set personal goals for overall wellness

Sustainable Living

Youth engage in practical, hands-on activities that teach them how to care for the planet through simple, sustainable actions.

Reduce household and school waste
Reuse and repurpose everyday items
Conserve water through mindful habits
Start composting and recycling projects
Create eco-friendly DIY solutions
Practice green living at home and in the community

Community Impact & Service Hours

Students earn verified volunteer hours as they actively engage in meaningful projects that create lasting, positive change in their communities.

Log community service hours
Support local sustainability efforts
Improve food access and equity
Lead youth-led health and wellness initiatives
Build stronger, greener neighborhoods

Who is it for?

Middle and high school youth (ages 11–17)
Students looking for service hours, enrichment, or career exploration
Schools, organizations, and community centers seeking partnerships

How is the Program delivered?

To ensure Seeds of Change reaches and impacts youth effectively, you can implement the program through a diverse mix of formats that meet students where they are educationally, socially, and developmentally.

Seasonal training camps (spring, summer, fall)
School-based academic electives for middle and high schoolers
After-school wellness or sustainability clubs
Community youth hubs or pop-up workshops
Online learning modules and virtual challenges
Service-learning partnerships with local farms and nonprofits
Youth leadership fellowship program
Mobile garden and education unit
Parent and family engagement nights
School garden incubator programs
Annual youth showcase or Green Youth Summit

The Project has a Mission

The mission of this project is to empower Florida’s youth with the tools to lead healthy lives, serve their communities, and champion sustainability.

Why Does it Matter?

Florida faces rising youth health disparities, climate vulnerability, and disconnection from food systems. Seeds of Change offers a solution rooted in education, empowerment, and equity.