CULTIVATING COMMUNITY. EMPOWERING YOUTH.
Where Agriculture Meets Entrepreneurship
Urban Roots of Tennessee is a 501c3 non-profit that empowers young people in Memphis to become innovative leaders and community stewards. We cultivate the next generation by blending hands-on agricultural education with practical entrepreneurship skills, fostering both environmental responsibility and business acumen.
Environmental Stewardship
Our foundational programs engage younger students in sustainable farming practices, teaching them to care for the land and understand ecological principles.
Cultivating Skills
We provide middle-grade students with opportunities to develop leadership and teamwork abilities through managing garden projects and community outreach.
Youth Entrepreneurship
Older students learn critical business skills, from product development to market sales, by running their own farm-based enterprises.
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Our Vision & Mission
Vision Statement
Urban Roots exists to ignite entrepreneurship and stewardship in the next generation. We believe every student — regardless of background or zip code — deserves the chance to discover what's possible, believe in their potential, and experience it firsthand through hands-on learning.
Mission Statement
At Urban Roots, we transform agricultural learning into entrepreneurial action. Through farming and real-world business experiences, students:
  • Develop the mindset and skills to turn ideas into income.
  • Gain hands-on experience planting, growing, marketing, and selling products.
  • Learn stewardship by caring for the land and understanding sustainable practices.
  • Discover pride, purpose, and possibility in building something of their own.
See Urban Roots in Action
Discover the transformative work happening at Urban Roots of Tennessee. This gallery features authentic Urban Roots photos, capturing students in action, sharing their engagement, and highlighting the profound impact of our program on their lives and the community.
Each photo in this gallery represents a powerful narrative of growth, learning, and community engagement. We invite you to explore these visual stories that showcase how we blend agricultural education with entrepreneurial skills to cultivate the next generation of leaders.
More Than a Farm. It's a Future.
STAR Academy students gain hands-on experience every day, with each element of our farm designed with both education and sustainability in mind.
Greenhouse Agriculture
Our state-of-the-art greenhouse features hydroponics and aquaponics systems, allowing students to learn advanced growing techniques while producing fresh vegetables for retail in environmentally controlled spaces.
Raised Planter Gardening
Students cultivate seasonal produce in our raised planters, learning to grow both cool and warm season crops while understanding the health benefits of organic farming methods.
Water Management Systems
Our natural water collection and biological filtration ponds create a closed-loop irrigation system, teaching sustainability while providing essential resources for all growing methods.

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Dr. Maddy Hunter Introduction as Agricultural Advisor

Learning That Grows With You
Stewardship
(Pre-K – 5th Grade)
Younger students develop a deep connection to the land by learning sustainable practices, nurturing growth, and understanding their role in ecological balance.
Daily Agriculture Classes
Pre-K through 5th-grade students participate in curriculum-aligned farming education with our full-time agriculture teacher, focusing on plant care and environmental responsibility.
Seasonal Gardening
Students engage in hands-on activities, from soil preparation to harvesting, learning about natural cycles and the importance of healthy ecosystems.
Summer Camps
Intensive programs where local youth can deepen their agricultural knowledge through immersive activities focused on sustainable living and land preservation.
Entrepreneurship
(6th – 8th Grade)
Older students transform agricultural knowledge into practical business skills, mastering marketing, sales, and turning sustainable ideas into viable income streams.
Weekly Market Days
Students harvest, price, and sell their produce directly to the community, gaining real-world experience in business operations and customer engagement.
Farm-to-Table Marketing
Students develop marketing strategies, create branding for their products, and learn about supply chain management to maximize sales and reach.
Community Workshops
Open learning opportunities where students lead sessions, teaching urban farming techniques and promoting sustainable practices to local families, honing their presentation and leadership skills.

Dig In. Join the Mission.

Volunteer From weekend garden maintenance to helping with Market Day, we need hands of all ages to help our farm thrive. Sign up for individual or group opportunities year-round. I WANT IN Donate Your support directly impacts our capacity to grow: $25 provides 5 bags of soil, $100 helps us buy gardening equipment, and $500 sponsors a class garden bed for an entire year. HELP US GROW Partner Corporate partnerships provide crucial support through sponsorships, employee volunteer days, and in-kind donations. Join local businesses making a difference in Memphis. LEARN MORE

What We're Growing Next: Our Vision for Impact
Statewide Expansion
We're bringing the transformative Urban Roots model to schools across Tennessee, cultivating a new generation of environmental stewards and equipping students with skills for a sustainable future. This expansion will empower communities statewide with hands-on learning and local food initiatives.
Retail Partnerships
By securing partnerships with local grocers like Kroger, Sprouts, and Whole Foods, we're not only increasing access to fresh, healthy Urban Roots products but also creating viable market opportunities. This fosters entrepreneurship for our students and promotes economic stewardship within our communities.
Entrepreneurship Pipeline
We're building robust pathways for students to launch their own agriculture-based businesses, from farm-to-table ventures to sustainable product development. This initiative instills leadership, innovation, and self-sufficiency, turning passion into tangible entrepreneurial success.
Community Food Hubs
Through increased local production and distribution, we're creating vibrant Community Food Hubs that directly address food insecurity. These hubs foster community stewardship, ensuring fresh, nutritious food is accessible to all, and building resilient, interconnected neighborhoods.
Hear From Our Community
Maya, Student Entrepreneur
"Urban Roots taught me more than just gardening; I learned about market research, pricing, and even how to pitch my ideas. It gave me the confidence to start my own small business selling specialty herbs!"
Mr. Chen, Community Leader
"The students from Urban Roots are true stewards of our local environment. Their dedication to maintaining the community garden has inspired others to take action and foster a deeper connection with nature."
Sarah, Parent
"Watching my child engage with the Urban Roots program has been incredible. They've not only discovered a passion for plants but also developed leadership skills and a newfound sense of responsibility. It's truly transformative."
Connect With Urban Roots
Visit Us
Urban Roots of TN (Behind STAR Academy Charter School)
3240 James Road, Memphis, TN 38128
Contact Us
urbanrootstn@gmail.com
(901) 387-5050
Follow Us
@UrbanRootsTN on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
Sign up for our monthly harvest newsletter (Coming Soon)
At Urban Roots, we cultivate not just gardens, but also the next generation of entrepreneurs and environmental stewards. Through our transformative programs, we empower students to lead, innovate, and contribute to a sustainable future for their communities. Join us in growing impactful change in Memphis.