K-State Research and Extension Sedgwick County

Youth Lawn Mowing Clinic Inspires Entrepreneurship

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025

Students learning about turfgrass

 

WICHITA – This spring break, the 2025 Youth Lawn Mowing Clinic is empowering youth to develop skills, build confidence, and potentially launch their own small businesses. Scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Youth Lawn Mowing Clinic will provide students in grades 5-9 with essential life skills like lawn mower maintenance, safety procedures when operating a lawn mower, and entrepreneurship.

There are two opportunities for students to attend the Youth Lawn Mowing Clinic on March 19. The first clinic will be held from 9:20 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and the second clinic will be from 1:20 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Both will be held inside 4-H Hall at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center (7001 W. 21st Street North, Wichita, KS 67205) at the corner of 21st and Ridge Road in Wichita.

Whether mowing every lawn on the block or their own backyard, this clinic is a unique opportunity for students to learn practical lawn care techniques and business basics. Throughout the event, attendees will participate in training that covers:

  • Lawn Care Essentials: Participants will explore the different types of grass commonly found in our area and discover how to care for each one. This session will teach the importance of proper lawn maintenance, ensuring attendees understand what is needed for a healthy lawn.
  • Mower Safety & Maintenance: Learning to use a lawn mower safely is crucial. Attendees will learn about mower operation, along with tips for keeping equipment in top condition. They will also get practical lessons in basic lawn mower troubleshooting, cleaning, and performing routine maintenance in order to avoid costly repairs.
  • Entrepreneurial Business Skills: Running a successful lawn care business requires more than just a mower and a lawn. Attendees will also be taught key business skills— attracting customers, effective communication skills, and managing money—to make their business both profitable and professional.

At the conclusion of the clinic, a short graduation ceremony will wrap up the day. Each participant will be awarded a training certificate to recognize their completion of the course, and a $10.00 award designed to help fund the start of their lawn mowing business. Participants will also receive a lawn care information packet, business cards, and safety equipment, ensuring they’re fully equipped to hit the ground running.

Two sessions of the Youth Lawn Mowing Clinic are being offered on Wednesday, March 19, 2025:

  • 9:20 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., with check-in beginning at 9:00 a.m.
  • 1:20 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., with check-in beginning at 1:00 p.m.

The cost is $10.00 to register through March 10th, or $15.00 after that date. Space is limited so please register early, as classes do fill up. Register online here.

The Youth Lawn Mowing Clinic is sponsored by K-State Research & Extension - Sedgwick County and the Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.

View the event flyer here.



Source

Matt McKernan, Horticulture Agent
316-660-0140
mckernan@ksu.edu