Description
This research employed a single-case design to examine an urban agricultural internship program called Grounding Roots, which brings together youth interns, and undergraduate and community elder mentors, in intergenerational garden groups. This research question guided the study: How, if at all, can community-based education through internships support youth who are marginalized in traditional educational environments? Findings highlight holistic educational opportunities found in community-based spaces that connect learning to young people’s communities and lives, particularly for youth of marginalized identities. The Grounding Roots program supported youth in multidimensional learning and identity development. The research highlighted important elements of programs to support youth, including having assets recognized and leveraged; building confidence, leadership identities, and diverse relationships; and connecting with the greater community. Further, this research brings attention to the value of intergenerational mentoring and work, diversity in learning communities, and work-based (internship) learning.
Livstrom, Illana C., Gillian H. Roehrig, and Amy R. Smith. 2020. “Intergenerational Learning Through Community-Based Internships: A Case Study of Grounding Roots’ Garden Groups.” International Journal of Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement 8 (1). https://doi.org/10.37333/001c.18737.