BoysGrow cultivates young leaders in South Kansas City through farming, purpose, entrepreneurship

Editor’s note: The following story was written and first published by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC). Click here to read the original story.

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At the heart of South Kansas City’s farmland, a quiet transformation is happening. For more than a decade, BoysGrow has been shaping not just crops — but futures. Founded in 2010, BoysGrow empowers young men through a two-year paid employment program rooted in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and life skills development.

The seeds for BoysGrow were planted years earlier when the organization’s founder — then a social worker in California — witnessed firsthand how responsibility could change a young life. A foster youth under his care flourished after being given a small plot of land and a few chickens to manage. Inspired by the dramatic change, he returned to Kansas City and recreated that environment; building what would become BoysGrow.

From the archives: BoysGrow teaches urban youth entrepreneurship through farming

From humble beginnings on a three-acre farm, BoysGrow now operates on a thriving 10-acre farm in Kansas City, Missouri. Each young participant plays a vital role in the operation, learning the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and resilience.

Mission rooted in growth

At its core, BoysGrow is about far more than farming. The program’s mission is to give young men a broader vision of the world around them and a belief in their own potential.

“We’re not trying to create the next farmers,” said Tariq Nash, program director at BoysGrow and an alumnus of the program himself. “We’re trying to create young men who realize they’re capable, that the world is bigger than the four walls they see every day.”

Participants emerge with real-world skills: from agricultural and culinary training to construction, mechanics, and even media production. But it’s the softer, lifelong lessons — punctuality, accountability, teamwork — that stay with them.

BoysGrow builds a space where mistakes are part of the learning journey, and kids — some who have faced significant pressures at home — can simply be kids again. For many, it’s a first chance to experience a safe haven, where failure isn’t fatal, and resilience is rewarded.

Each young man at BoysGrow is paid for his work on the farm — an important component of building self-confidence and responsibility.

RELATED: BoysGrow team wins The Prospect KC’s 2025 GumboFest.

A mural on the side of a barn at BoysGrow in South Carolina; photo by Brian Escobar, EDCKC

Responsibility through real work

From Day 1, expectations are clearly set: two years of commitment, real-world accountability, and full transparency about pay. The experience culminates in a powerful moment each summer: a “paycheck ceremony,” where families gather to celebrate the young men’s first earned income.

“For some of our kids, it’s their first job ever. That first paycheck? It’s huge,” Nash explained. “It builds a belief in themselves — and their parents — that they can succeed.”

Beyond pay, participants gain invaluable experiences: shaking hands with business leaders, networking with local entrepreneurs, and understanding that their voices matter.

Tariq Nash looks over a variety of plants in a greenhouse at BoysGrow in South Kansas City; photo by Brian Escobar, EDCKC

Impact beyond the farm

BoysGrow’s influence extends well beyond its participants. The organization collaborates with local schools like North Kansas City and Grandview to offer academic credit for farm work, helping students graduate. Excess produce is donated to food programs, supplying fresh, healthy foods to families in need.

And BoysGrow’s alumni network is a growing testament to the program’s success: a thriving community of former participants who stay connected, lift each other up, and give back. From recording artists to agricultural business students, entrepreneurs to barbers, BoysGrow graduates are leaving their mark on Kansas City and beyond.

“Once you graduate, you’re part of the family for life,” Nash said. “You’re connected to every BoysGrow member who’s come before you and all the ones still to come.”

Looking ahead: Sowing new dreams

With the recent addition of a hydroponic growing container and a brand-new greenhouse, BoysGrow is expanding opportunities year-round. New initiatives, like a youth media team that teaches digital marketing and graphic design, reflect the organization’s commitment to adapting and broadening its offerings.

In the future, Nash hopes to further upgrade facilities, deepen partnerships with local businesses and schools, and continue enriching the program with life skills workshops like resume building, financial literacy, and coding.

“Our goal is to keep finding ways to fill their time here with meaningful, skill-building experiences — beyond just the fields,” he shared.

How Kansas City can help

The Kansas City community plays a crucial role in BoysGrow’s mission. There are several ways to get involved:

• Volunteer: Friday volunteer days are open to individuals and groups looking to lend a hand on the farm.
• Attend Events: BoysGrow hosts four to five fundraisers annually, providing fun opportunities to support the cause.
• Donate: As with any nonprofit, financial support helps fuel the mission.
• Spread the Word: Sharing BoysGrow’s story helps connect more youth to opportunities for growth.

“Getting people here — whether it’s volunteers, event attendees, or supporters — is the biggest help,” Nash said. “The more people we can bring into this space, the bigger the impact we can make.”