Americorps Volunteers

SPEND A YEAR GROWING SCHOOL GARDENS

Passionate about experiential education, urban agriculture, and investing in the future of Chicago’s youth? Spend a year doing what you love by applying to become an AmeriCorps Service Member with Gardeneers!

WHAT DOES AN AMERICORPS MEMBER DO?

An AmeriCorps Member is ready to get their hands dirty and able to commit full-time to Gardeneers’ invaluable experience. During your service year, you will be placed in a handful of schools, primarily in Chicago’s South and West Sides, where you will serve alongside an experienced Gardeneers’ Garden Educator. Your role will be to assist in providing hands-on garden education for students, turning the garden into a lively classroom while providing students and community members with access and knowledge to living a healthy lifestyle. In addition, you will be vital in maintaining the gardens so that our gardens exude beauty in the neighborhoods we serve. Lastly, you will work in small teams to provide farm stands and informational workshops for the neighborhoods in which you serve!

WHO ARE YOU?

You are an individual with a passion for gardening and environmental work in Chicago who is dedicated to supporting the communities in your city. While previous experience is encouraged, Gardeneers will train AmeriCorps Service Members to gain the necessary gardening and educating skills. The ideal candidate has an open mind, is punctual, and resilient. AmeriCorps requires that applicants are 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, and can pass a criminal background check.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Each AmeriCorps Service Member will receive a monthly living stipend of $2,500, a travel stipend, health benefits, the option of student loan deferment, an education award, and fresh produce during the growing season. We also offer continued training and professional development opportunities.

WHEN:

Our next cohort will be from February 2024 to December 2024. This service requirement is full-time and will require you to be available some weekends.

INTERESTED IN APPLYING?

We are currently accepting applications for our February 2024 cohort. Send a cover letter and resume to Leah Goldbloom, [email protected], with the header “AmeriCorps Service Applicant.”