Our Active Programs
“Young Pharaohs of Petersburg Journey”
“How 2 Survive in the Food Desert” Urban Agriculture Experience
“How 2 Survive in the Food Desert” Urban Agriculture Experience
Young Pharaohs of Petersburg Journey
“Rooted in Legacy, Growing in Leadership”
The Young Pharaohs of Petersburg Journey is a transformative youth leadership program designed for young adults (18-25yrs.) in Petersburg, VA. Sponsored by Petersburg Is Growing Inc. this 12-month initiative introduces participants to the principles of mindfulness, social entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and philanthropy. By managing the Future Is Now Flow Fund, the young pharaohs learn how to generate wealth and health for their community while advocating for social, environmental, food, and climate justice.
Participants explore their heritage and leadership potential through activities like:
• Cultural Enrichment: Learn about the rich histories of Petersburg, VA, and the Nile River Valley civilization.
• Agricultural Education: Gain hands-on experience in farming, gardening, and urban agriculture.
• Wellness Practices: Engage in breath work, yoga, sound baths, and holistic living workshops.
• Skill Development: Attend workshops on organizational leadership, public speaking, and advocacy.
• Travel and Exploration: Culminate the program with a week-long cultural immersion trip to Cairo and Luxor, Egypt.
The Mystery School operates on the lunar cycle, featuring initiation and elevation ceremonies each month to honor the participants’ growth. Scholars will also document their journey through photography, culminating in a community photo gallery exhibit.
By the end of the program, the Young Pharaohs will emerge as empowered leaders, ready to create positive change in their community and beyond.
Join us in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Interested? Apply today at www.petersburgisgrowing.org! Applications open October 17th and close March 1st.
“How 2 Survive in the Food Desert” Urban Agriculture Experience
“How 2 Survive in the Food Desert” Urban Agriculture Experience
“How 2 Survive in the Food Desert” Urban Agriculture Experience
How 2 Survive in The Food Desert
Empowering Communities Through Food Sovereignty
How 2 Survive in The Food Desert is a dynamic program by Petersburg Is Growing Inc. designed to address the challenges of food insecurity and empower individuals to take control of their nutrition and well-being. Rooted in regenerative agriculture and community collaboration, this initiative focuses on providing tools, education, and resources to transform food deserts into thriving food oases.
Through workshops, hands-on training, and access to locally grown produce, participants learn:
• Urban Farming & Gardening: Discover how to grow fresh, nutrient-rich foods in limited spaces.
• Culinary Science & Nutrition Education: Prepare healthy meals and snacks with accessible ingredients.
• Food Justice Advocacy: Explore the social and environmental impacts of food systems and learn how to advocate for equitable access.
• Self-Sufficiency Skills: From canning and preserving to meal planning on a budget, participants gain practical skills for long-term food security.
The program also features partnerships with the P.L.U.G. Mobile FarmStand and the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm, ensuring access to fresh, locally grown produce and connecting participants to a network of community support.
Together, we’re cultivating a future where every individual has the tools and knowledge to thrive—because everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food.
“Many Hands 4 Light Work” (Farm ASSISTant Cohort)
“Many Hands 4 Light Work” (Farm ASSISTant Cohort)
“Many Hands 4 Light Work” (Farm ASSISTant Cohort)
Many Hands 4 Light Work
“Growing Together, Building Community”
Inspired by the Haitian proverb, “Many hands make for light work,” the Many Hands 4 Light Work program is a Volunteer Farm ASSISTant Cohort designed to strengthen the Petersburg community through regenerative agriculture. Meeting every Monday from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm, this initiative brings together individuals passionate about growing food, learning farming techniques, and supporting local agriculture.
Taught to us by board member Nathaniel X. Graves III, who drew upon his community work in Haiti, this program emphasizes the power of collective effort to create meaningful change. The initiative is led by board member Larry Bartenstein.
Program Goals:
• Foster Urban Farming Skills: Develop a skilled community of urban farmers with hands-on training in regenerative agriculture practices.
• Support Local Farmers: Extend the cohort’s impact by volunteering on local farms, providing essential support to farmers in the area.
• Build Community Resilience: Cultivate relationships and collaboration among participants to strengthen Petersburg’s local food system.
• Promote Sustainability: Equip participants with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable practices in their own gardens, farms, and communities.
Why Join?
By volunteering with Many Hands 4 Light Work, you’ll gain valuable farming knowledge, contribute to the growth of the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm, and make a lasting impact on the local food ecosystem—all while building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals.
Together, we grow. Together, we thrive.
Join us every Monday and be part of this transformative community effort.
Greater Petersburg Area S.T.R.E.A.M. Scholarship
“Many Hands 4 Light Work” (Farm ASSISTant Cohort)
“Many Hands 4 Light Work” (Farm ASSISTant Cohort)
The Greater Petersburg Area STREAM Scholarship is our gift to the community to provide activities for the youth ages 6-18 which cultivate wisdom and impart knowledge about our world. Anticipated program launch Summer 2025.