Sprouts & Spice Academy
Cultivating future food leaders through hands-on culinary, nutrition, and garden education
From garden to kitchen to table—we engage students ages 11-24 in the full cycle of food, creating clear pathways to careers in agriculture, culinary arts, and food systems.
About Sprouts & Spice
The youth education arm of Roots to Growth
Our Mission
Sprouts & Spice Agricultural Academy engages middle school, high school, and young adult learners in the full cycle of food—from growing in the garden to cooking in the kitchen to understanding nutrition and wellness.
We create clear, inspiring pathways for young people to explore careers in agriculture, culinary arts, and food systems through hands-on education that sparks curiosity and builds practical skills.
Who We Serve
- Students ages 11-24 exploring food and farming careers
- Schools & community organizations seeking hands-on education
- HBCUs & land-grant universities building student pipelines
What Makes Us Unique
- Full cycle education: Soil to table
- Real-world experience through Soul House events
- Pathways to careers and higher education
- Culturally responsive curriculum
Our Programs
Hands-on learning experiences that transform students into food leaders
Culinary & Garden Bootcamps
Immersive workshops that combine farming, cooking, and nutrition. Students plant, harvest, and prepare meals, learning how food moves from soil to table.
Currently Available: Delivered through school and community partnerships across North Carolina
Coming Summer 2026: On-site bootcamps at our teaching kitchen and farm hub
School & Community Partnerships
We partner with schools, after-school programs, and community organizations to bring culinary and agricultural education directly to students.
Current Reach: 35 schools and community organizations across North Carolina
Future Vision: Deeper partnerships with HBCUs and land-grant universities to create stronger career pathways
Professional Experience
Students gain real-world experience by supporting Soul House & Gardens events, learning professional skills in culinary arts, event management, and community engagement.
Skills Gained: Culinary techniques, event production, hospitality, teamwork, and professional communication
Student Pathway
A clear progression from hands-on learning to professional opportunities
Learn
Begin with hands-on education in culinary and garden bootcamps. Discover the full cycle of food from soil to table.
Practice
Gain professional experience by supporting Soul House & Gardens events, working alongside food professionals.
Grow
Connect to higher education partnerships, internships, and food system careers through our network.
Our Impact
Building pathways, transforming lives
2,500+
Students engaged in workshops
35
School & community partnerships
100%
Hands-on, experiential learning
Dozens
Students trained professionally
Looking Ahead
Our vision for the future of Sprouts & Spice
Summer 2026
Opening of our on-site teaching kitchen and farm hub, providing a dedicated space for immersive, multi-day bootcamps and year-round programming.
Higher Education Partnerships
Establish formal partnerships with HBCUs and land-grant universities to create a seamless pipeline from middle school to higher education and career opportunities.
Expanded Reach
Scale our programs to reach more students across North Carolina and beyond, creating a model that can be replicated in communities nationwide.
Get Involved
Join us in cultivating the next generation of food leaders
Parents & Students
Enroll in Sprouts & Spice programs and gain hands-on experience in farming, cooking, and nutrition
Schools & Organizations
Collaborate to bring workshops and bootcamps directly to your students
Universities & HBCUs
Create pathways from K-12 to higher education in food systems and agriculture
Supporters
Donate or sponsor a bootcamp to make this transformative work possible