Phone: 718.773.3551 | Fax: 347.420.9736

Green Teens

Every year, TCAH hires a cohort of young adults to participate in a Green Teens Internship Program for 10 weeks in the summer and a Green Teens Workforce Program for 10 months throughout the changing seasons. The Green Teens programs are compensated farm-based work experiences, where youth apprentices receive intensive hands-on training in farm and market management. Green Teens assist with day-to-day farm work to help grow over 100 varieties of certified all-natural fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Program participants are also involved with plant and animal care, farmers’ markets, produce sales, and site maintenance.  Each year, Green Teens help distribute roughly 20,000 pounds of produce in our community, including many food deserts. Throughout the growing season, there are also opportunities to engage in neighborhood outreach, attend field trips and workshops, lead volunteer groups, and carry out independent projects.

At the end of the summer, Green Teens are required to complete a capstone project to demonstrate key learnings from their internship experience. In the fall, all graduating Green Teens in the Workforce Program will have the opportunity to apply to stay on as hired part-time instructors after the summer season in one of our community or intergenerational learning programs.

Green Teens Workforce Program

Before applying, please ensure that you meet the following eligibility requirements. You must be:

  • Between 18-24 years of age
  • Able to commit to the program for the full 10 months, starting in March
  • (Preferably) a resident of Bed-Stuy, Far Rockaway, or closely surrounding neighborhoods
  • Willing to work outdoors and in all types of weather
  • Available to work 20-25 hours per week

The Green Teens Workforce Program will begin in March and include a rigorous three month training to cover the following subjects:

  • Food Justice 101
  • Agriculture 101
  • Horticulture
  • Business and Management
  • Self Development to prepare for the farm season

Other opportunities offered through the Workforce Program:

  • Become certified to prepare tax returns and work as paid assistants in the free tax prep service we offer
  • Work as a sous chef in one of our many nutrition education courses or cooking demonstrations
  • Attend food justice workshops or events to develop personal passions for farming and improved nutrition and bring them back to our communities

By the end of the Green Teens Workforce Program, we hope to help all participants develop:

  • An interest in food justice, agriculture, and nutrition
  • An appreciation for locally-grown, healthy foods
  • An understanding of food deserts and ways to combat them through urban farming
  • Increased knowledge around aquaponics/hydroponics
  • The skills to maximize production at our farms so that our harvest will be consistently bountiful
Apply Now

Green Teens Internship Program

Before applying, please ensure that you meet the following eligibility requirements. You must be:

  • Between 14-18 years of age
  • Able to complete the program for the full 10 weeks, starting in July
  • (Preferably) be a resident of Bed-Stuy, Far Rockaway, or closely surrounding neighborhoods
  • Willing to work outdoors and in all types of weather
  • Available to work 20-25 hours per week

The Green Teens Internship program will begin in July and include an in-depth two week training program on how to:

  • Perform fieldwork
  • Run weekly farm stands
  • Lead volunteer groups
  • Conduct community outreach
  • Incorporate plant biology in farming practices
  • Properly wield tools
  • Execute community agreements
  • Engage in customer service
  • Behave in accordance with our protocols for attendance and work ethic

By the end of the Green Teens Internship Program, we hope to help all participants:

  • Increase community and individual access to fresh and healthy produce
  • Increase awareness and knowledge of the importance of nutrition and healthy eating
  • Promote environmental stewardship among children and youth
  • Foster sustainable food security through advocacy, activism, and community leadership
Apply Now