Work-Based Learning

Interested in work-based learning?

Real Work Experience. Real Responsibilities. Real Growth.

Homesteads for Hope partners with school districts throughout the Greater Rochester region to provide semester and year-long work-based learning experiences for students with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

Located on our 55-acre community farm, students participate in meaningful work assignments that build employability skills, workplace confidence, independence, communication, and career exploration through hands-on learning.

Unlike a one-time field trip or career day, students become part of the daily operations of the farm, working alongside staff on authentic projects and responsibilities throughout the school year.

Why Districts Partner With Us

Homesteads for Hope provides a unique environment where students can explore a variety of career paths while developing transferable workplace skills.

Students gain experience in:

  • Retail and customer service

  • Agriculture and horticulture

  • Food preparation and culinary skills

  • Animal care

  • Facilities and grounds maintenance

  • Production and packaging

  • Inventory management

  • Event support

  • Cleaning and janitorial services

  • Creative and entrepreneurial projects

Each experience emphasizes workplace readiness, teamwork, problem solving, communication, time management, and personal responsibility.

Explore Multiple Career Pathways

Students may participate in one area of focus or rotate through multiple departments based on their interests, goals, abilities, and district requirements.

Work-based learning opportunities include:

  • Farm Store Operations

  • Produce Production & Harvesting

  • Flower Production

  • Animal Care

  • Culinary & Food Preparation

  • Product Production & Packaging

  • Inventory & Merchandising

  • Facilities & Grounds Maintenance

  • Janitorial Services

  • Event & Hospitality Support

  • Volunteer Leadership

  • Seasonal Farm Operations

Each role provides opportunities to practice workplace behaviors and develop skills that transfer to future employment settings.

students gain hands-on experience in a variety of roles across the farm

Designed for School-Year Partnerships

Homesteads for Hope works directly with school districts to create meaningful work-based learning experiences that align with student transition goals.

Partnerships may include:

  • Semester-long placements

  • Full school-year placements

  • Small group placements

  • Community-based instruction opportunities

  • Career exploration experiences

  • Transition-focused employment readiness experiences

We collaborate with district staff to help create experiences that support student growth, independence, and future employment outcomes.

  • Seasonal Farm Work

    Seeding, planting, harvesting, watering, and general farm tasks

  • Food Production in Our Certified Teaching Kitchen

    Working alongside the Homesteads for Hope Culinary Coordinator

  • Animal Care

    Daily care for chickens, ducks, geese, and goats

  • Access to H4H Instructors & Staff Support

    Indoor & Outdoor Learning Spaces

Work-based Learning Options

At Homesteads, students gain hands-on experience in a variety of roles across the farm and market.

    • Seeding, planting, harvesting, watering, and general farm tasks

    • Season runs from mid-March through November

    • Helping customers, stocking products, and supporting daily operations

    • Sorting, inspecting, and preparing fresh produce for sale

    • Creating and packaging items sold in our farm store

    • Working alongside the Homesteads for Hope Culinary Coordinator

    • Preparing products for the Happy Harvest Market

    • Daily care for chickens, ducks, geese, and goats

    • Sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dusting, dishes, and laundry

    • Winter programming may include:

      • Kitchen work

      • Product production

      • Animal care

      • Janitorial support

Starting at
$25 Per Hr / Per Student

ㆍBilled Monthly
ㆍHours available: 8AM-3:30PM
ㆍIndoor & Outdoor Learning Spaces
ㆍCertified Teaching Kitchen
ㆍBeautiful Farm Property Along the Erie Canal

Rooted in Responsible Growing

Our fields are cared for using natural practices that prioritize soil health and biodiversity. When protection is needed, we use eco-friendly, organically approved sprays rather than conventional synthetic chemicals.

contact us today to schedule a tour of the farm!

Email Abbey

  • "First time coming and it was so nice!!! There was also live music too with tons of seating. I would come again next year to pick more flowers!"

    —Aleysha Dominguez

  • "Homesteads for Hope is a great organization. The farm sells locally grown food."

    —David Larter

  • "Homesteads for Hope had me from my first visit! There is so much to be part of and to take part in yet the pace is casual and non-pressured. Truly a place for everyone, Homesteads for Hope is a little slice of heaven right around the corner. Visit once ...you'll be back!"

    —Jeannine DeRoo

  • "The property is beautiful and the staff are the best! I love visiting the cafe’ as well. There are always special treats for me to purchase, including beautiful fresh picked flowers. The Thursday night events are a great place for the whole family to relax and enjoy the property."

    —Jane Moore

  • "Nice stop while biking the Erie Canal Trail with food and music for good causes."

    —Scot Egg

  • "Homesteads for Hope is that special vibe and the summer event spot to hang. IYKYK. Check out the website."em

    —Rhonda SanFilipo

  • "Always a joy to visit, speak with the staff, and even volunteer in the fields. You can't help but walk away with a smile on your face."

    —James Shaw

  • "Adorable, peaceful place for a county style summer evening, complete with a great duo, singing live with a guitar! Name families were enjoying a piece of normal. Very nice food truck, ice creams, and benches next to canal - can't be better!"

    —Mohri Hime

  • "What a great place to go for fresh garden food. A place where the workers are very friendly , and plant and grow the fresh produce themselves . A quiet , nice place in the back with a pond and picnic tables around. Events for people to choose from to attend. Love it there."

    —Cheryl Arnold

  • "Wonderful farming community that assists disabled/challenged adults learn job skills. Has a little store that sells the vegetables they farm and crafts created by the students. A great organization to put your support behind."

    —Linda Short

  • "A beautiful spot adding beauty to the world"

    —Kevin Markman

  • "What an amazing place for people of all abilities! It is so heartwarming to see people thrive in such an welcoming learning environment."

    —Jacqueline Yates

  • "A terrific organization with a very clear mission - and passionate, dedicated staff who are working tirelessly to develop programs and services that center on fostering independence, specialized skills development, and socialization opportunities for folks with developmental disabilities. Beyond this essential aim, there are opportunities abound to explore a working farm, with recreational and other special events throughout the year. As a musical performer for their Harvest BBQs and Fundraising Gala, I have enjoyed not only the beauty of this location, but surely the spirit and sense of community evident with those participating in the activities. Kudos to Jenny and the team at H4H!"

    —Adam Whiting