Greener Partners - Urban Farming Teen Internship

Greener Partners high school interns learn how to grow and cook food with urban farmers and educators in the Belmont neighborhood of West Philadelphia. During a four to six-week paid summer internship in July and August, teens will receive training in urban farming, food sovereignty, sustainability, cooking and nutrition while also building skills around problem solving, teamwork, and work ethic. The summer program includes intensive outdoor work in school and community gardens. 

Upon completion of the summer program, teens may be invited to apply for the school year program, which takes place after school for 3 hours a week. Teen leaders will continue garden projects and maintenance, lead peer education programs, and continue exploring food system issues and developing opinions and an ability to communicate about food justice and equity.

General Activities 

• Build skills on garden planning & maintenance, planting & harvesting seasonal crops, composting, and garden bed construction & repairing 

• Explore why we grow food in the city and how growing food is justice 

• Engage in community action and service through no-cost fruit and vegetable distribution

• Discuss food history, such as the cultural, culinary, and medicinal uses of plants 

• Visit other urban farms and food organizations to explore career opportunities, network, and expand awareness of Philadelphia food systems and equity work 

• Strengthen communication skills through an internship summary and reflection project and completion of a program evaluation.

Preffered Candidates 

• Applications are accepted in the spring for the summer program. In order to be eligible to apply, students must be 9th-12th graders and live or go to school in West Philadelphia (19103 or 19104 zip codes preferred)