Cultivating Independence
Florida’s Roots to Work Program Connecting Youth to Ag
Through a partnership between Florida AgrAbility and UF/IFAS Extension – University of Florida, the Roots to Work program is helping young adults with disabilities prepare for careers in agriculture.
Created to address low employment rates, limited community integration, and
other post-graduation challenges, the program builds both horticulture skills and personal independence for participants ages 18 and older.
Students receive weekly classroom instruction at UF/IFAS Brevard County Extension along with hands-on training in nurseries and gardens. They learn skills such as seed propagation, plant identification, and soil management while also developing workplace abilities like communication, responsibility and safety.
Program outcomes show strong success. In 2025, 100% of participants reported competency in propagation and insect identification, and 81% independently demonstrated plant identification skills. In 2026, progress continues, with 97% of students correctly identifying plant parts using visual aids within the first month.
With support from Master Gardeners and community volunteers, Roots to Work provides a pathway for young adults with disabilities to gain confidence, explore careers, and build meaningful independence.