Cultivating leaders: CSU Extension and Efinity empower youth

Above: Youth leaders in the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative present their work at a local farmers market, gaining hands-on experience in agriculture and entrepreneurship. Cheryl Wheeler (back, left) and Christa Wheeler (back, right) of Affinity Harvest Farms guide the program’s vision and mentorship.

Central State University Extension (CSUE) has partnered with Cheryl Wheeler, founder of Efinity Harvest Farms in Trotwood, Ohio, and her daughter Christa Wheeler, co-founder, to empower youth through hands-on agricultural education, entrepreneurship, and job readiness training. 

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The program, part of CSUE’s 4-H Urban Farmer Youth Initiative, engages middle and high school students ages 11-14 in a 12-week experience that integrates farming, food production, financial literacy, and leadership development.

Students participate directly in farm operations and sell produce and value-added goods at local farmers markets from June through October, with additional opportunities for year-round engagement. Youth are involved in all aspects of the process, from growing crops to product development and market display design.

“Our goal is to plant seeds of knowledge and confidence in every young person who steps onto the farm,” Cheryl Wheeler said. “Through this partnership with Central State University, we’re not just teaching agriculture. We’re helping youth discover their strengths, build leadership skills, and see that their ideas have value and impact.”

Assuming leadership roles such as junior farm manager or market manager, students help decide which value-added products, like tea blends, cucumber salsa, and fresh juice, to develop and sell. A market table display designed by one of the youth for the Urban Farmer Youth Symposium has since become the official setup used at farmers markets. In addition to agriculture, the program emphasizes culinary arts and nutrition education. Through workshops led by guest chefs, youth learn food preparation techniques, safety protocols, and how to use kitchen tools such as digital thermometers and panini presses.

“It’s been incredible to hear kids explain proper food preparation or safety techniques they’ve learned here. These are skills they’re taking home and sharing with their families.” — Cheryl Wheeler

Leaders weave job readiness throughout the curriculum, introducing students to standard operating procedures and guided through routines that mirror those expected at school, at home, and in the workplace. They learn the importance of record keeping and how to track harvest data, manage inventory, and understand the economics behind farm operations.

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Many of the youth also sold their fresh produce and value-added products at major events, including the Urban Farmer Youth Symposium and 4-H Youth Day at Central State University's Land-Grant Open House last spring, where they pitched business concepts and shared their learning outcomes with community leaders, educators, and peers. 

“Our kids are learning how to show up, take pride in their work, and understand the impact they can have in their community,” Cheryl Wheeler said. 

“This program is creating a generational change because they’re not just taking this knowledge home. They’re passing it on.”

Efinity Harvest Farms continues to serve as a powerful model for youth development by combining agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. With the support of CSU Extension, Cheryl and Christa Wheeler are not only growing produce but also a new generation of confident, capable, and inspired young leaders.