At JustUs CPP, we believe youth development is the foundation of community transformation. Through our Ag Academy and Construction Learning Center, we provide rural youth with more than just an education—we equip them with the skills, confidence, and purpose to build futures rooted in resilience, self-reliance, and opportunity.
Holistic Learning That Honors Rural Youth
Our approach to youth development goes beyond the classroom. We blend academic instruction, hands-on agricultural learning, and construction-based workforce training to cultivate leaders who understand the value of the land, their heritage, and their role in shaping tomorrow.
Students at the JustUs Community RootED Ag Academy will:- Engage in project-based learning through school and community gardens, greenhouses, and food production labs
- Explore core subjects (math, science, literacy) through real-world, land-based applications
- Develop early leadership skills by working in multi-age teams, leading community projects, and participating in civic engagement activities
- Learn entrepreneurship and financial literacy through farm-to-market programs and student-run microenterprises
From Classroom to Career: The Construction Learning Center
Our Construction Learning Center (CLC) offers middle and high school youth early exposure to certification-aligned training in:- Green building and home weatherization
- Carpentry, electrical, and solar installation
- Broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion
Youth in our CLC gain access to real job sites, mentorship from skilled tradespeople, and the opportunity to participate in housing rehabilitation projects that serve families right here in Williamsburg County.
We don’t just teach young people to build—we teach them to build with purpose.
Supporting Mental Wellness Through Stability & Belonging
We recognize that food insecurity, unstable housing, and generational poverty create toxic stress that impacts learning, behavior, and long-term health. Our integrated model addresses these barriers head-on by:
- Offering daily access to fresh, locally grown meals
- Engaging families in subsistence farming and DIY home repair workshops
- Partnering with mental health professionals to embed social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices into every grade level
By investing in safe spaces, stable routines, and community connection, we help youth develop the resilience and emotional intelligence they need to thrive.
The Long-Term Impact
Youth who graduate from the Ag Academy and Construction Learning Center will leave with:- A strong academic foundation
- Real-world experience and trade certifications
- A deep understanding of land stewardship, sustainability, and social responsibility
- A sense of belonging to a community that believes in them
Whether they choose to go to college, enter a trade, start a business, or return to the land, our students will be prepared to lead.
Want to Support Our Youth?
We invite donors, mentors, volunteers, and partner organizations to join us in cultivating the next generation of builders, growers, and leaders. Together, we are planting seeds of hope and harvesting a stronger future.