Our Programs

For youth under 14, our Sprouts Rising Program introduces elementary and middle school students to the basics of science, technologiy, environment, art, and math (STEAM) through hands-on programmming. 

CUG has partnered with MSU extension, 4-H, and MANRRS to offer fun, educational opportunities that become the foundation for a future in STEAM fields. From finding a strawberry's dna to identifying bugs to painting stakes for our plants, there is something for everyone.

For ages 14-20, our Roots Rising Program supports youth in developing leadership skills, exploing future career paths, connecting with mentors, and more. 

In addition to workshops offered through our partnership with MSU extension, 4-H, and MANRRS, youth in the Roots Rising Program have the opportunity for paid summer internships through our generous partners.

The Detroit GDYT Program provides summer jobs that train and employ young adults. CUG youth interns become garden leaders while exploring the different aspects the environmental field can have in their specific area of interest.

Community-based citizen science and research can lead to empowered neighborhoods and improved community health. Environmental sensitivity, personal investment in issues concerning one's environment, and increased knowledge of and skill in using environmental action strategies can empower residents and lead to wide scale community-level change. Cadillac Urban Gardens takes a community-based approach to research to ensure information is used to improve the lives of Southwest Detroiters, our programs, and spread awareness of environmental issues occurring here in our Southwest Detroit community. 

Previous research partners include the University of Detroit Mercy's Gen-Bio lab, Michigan State Univerisity's Entomology BUG program, Bowling Green University's Urban Bee study, and CUG youth led research.

Community is the foundation of every project we do. Cadillac Urban Gardens garden madrinas and padrinos are the foundation to which we build a system of equitable access and availability of culturally relevant food across Southwest Detroit. Our volunteer garden madrinas and padrinos are composed of individuals in the community from a variety of age ranges that act as our “godmothers or godfathers” of the gardens where they help educate, inform, and develop best practices and methods to ensure healthy crop development. Our madrinas and pardinos also serve as mentors to our garden leaders and community members who are interested in learning more about urban agriculture and how to promote community sustainability and retention to ensure the garden continues to reach not only its full potential but the residents who need it the most.