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New York Agriculture in the Classroom

Programs

Grow-NY Youth Competition

Calling all youth food system and technology entrepreneurs!


Grow New York

In partnership with Grow-NY, Cornell University, NYS 4-H, New York FFA, and New York Agriculture in the Classroom, we are pleased to share an exciting youth opportunity to build businesses in New York State.

Our youth are the next generation of business developers, agriculture, food, and technology leaders. With the hope of inspiring and investing in the future of food, select middle and high school youth will be chosen to attend the 2023 Grow-NY competition. Outstanding students will be selected to pitch their business idea during the competition to a panel of judges.

The Grow-NY competition will take place in November of 2023. Information about your current business plan or business idea will be required to be considered for this experience. One winner will be selected amongst the pitches by a panel of judges. The top pitches will be awarded a cash prize.

Application Information

Applications for 2023 are now closed. Please check back in April 2024 for information about next year's competition.

Eligibility

New York State youth enrolled in middle or high school at the time of the competition are eligible to apply, including public, private, and home schools.

Apply to Bring Students to the Grow-NY Competition

New York Agriculture in the Classroom is offering the opportunity for students to attend the Grow-NY Competition so that they may see firsthand the innovative ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and for the first time, attend a student-centered workshop. Space is limited to 20 students per competition day and lunch will be included. Students selected to pitch in the Youth Contest will receive complimentary registration and need not apply to attend.

Applications for 2023 are now closed. Please check back in April 2024 for information about next year's competition.

Youth Workshops
Grow New York
Salamida State Fair Spiedie Sauce: From Basement Rec Room to Nationwide Distribution
November 14, 2023
  1. Where do you go to find the Well of Knowledge?
  2. What are the basics of going into business?
  3. Solid Steps on the Slippery Path.
  4. The Wholesomeness of Fear in Business.
  5. Why Adversity Builds Strength.

Join this workshop and be inspired by a food business giant!!

Learn more about Salamida State Fair Sauces and Marinades

Grow New York
From Classroom to Kitchen: Brown Butter Innovation
November 15, 2023

Jonah Gershon, a current senior at Cornell University, will take students through his journey of creating Spekld brown butter, offering insights into the challenges faced along the way and the impact that entrepreneurship has had on his life so far. Attendees can also look forward to igniting their entrepreneurial spirit and be inspired to embark on their own exciting journeys.

Prizes
  • First place: $3,000 for business or education expenses
  • Second place: $2,000 for business or education expenses
  • Third place: $1,000 for business or education expenses
  • Fourth place: $500 for business or education expenses
  • Fifth place: $500 for business or education expenses
  • Sixth place: $500 for business or education expenses
  • Seventh place: $500 for business or education expenses
  • Eighth place: $500 for business or education expenses
  • Ninth place: $500 for business or education expenses
  • Tenth place: $500 for business or education expenses
Project-Based Learning

This optional project-based learning experience can be used to help implement the Grow-NY Youth Competition concepts in your classroom or club.

View the Past Award Winners

Check out the impressive entrepreneurs from past Grow-NY Youth Competitions.