Farm to School Program Coordinator

CITY Center for Collaborative Learning’s new mission is to “design, implement, and advance exemplary practices in teaching and learning that transform the lives of young people and their educators.” In July 2016, the organization took on the Paulo Freire Freedom Schools from a closely aligned nonprofit partner. The flagship programs now include three schools, City High School and the two Paulo Freire Freedom Schools at Downtown and University locations. In total the three secondary schools serve 335 students annually and span grades 6 through 12.

City High School is a Title 1 School, and approximately half of the students are living at or below the poverty level. This AmeriCorps State member position will help address poverty by educating students and families about healthy eating through elective classes and hands-on experience. It will also directly address food security issues by providing students with fresh produce from the garden and teaching them how to grow vegetables themselves. 

A. Urban Gardening: The AmeriCorps member will teach a hands-on Urban Gardening elective class for 100 minutes per week with City High School students. They will work with students to maintain an on-campus garden and aquaponics system. They will also maintain City High’s planter with the seed library downtown and continue to strengthen relationship with library.

B. After-School Program: The AmeriCorps member will transport students to and from the farm once a week to teach an after-school farm program. This may involve using their personal vehicle, driving a school or rented vehicle, and/or taking the bus with groups of students. They will teach students how to farm organically through hands-on experience maintaining City High’s eight plots. They will also coordinate efforts to grow and distribute a variety of food crops throughout the year. Additionally, they will work with the staff at City High School and Las Milpitas Community Garden to engage students in activities at the farm on Wednesdays when all farm chores have been completed.

C. Las-Milpitas Plot Maintenance: The AmeriCorps member will spend approximately 10 hours per week at Las Milpitas maintaining the garden plots and preparing them for the after-school farm program. Depending on many factors, including the time of year and the crops that are planted, the AmeriCorps member will have to devote time to pest management and control. They will also build and maintain relationships with the Las Milpitas farm crew and other community gardeners.

D. Liaison: The AmeriCorps member will serve as liaison with Las Milpitas Community Garden and the City High National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Coordinator. They will help coordinate special events being hosted by City High at Las Milpitas and attend Thursday morning workdays (when possible) at the farm to become better acquainted with farm staff, fellow community gardeners, and farming techniques used at the garden.

 

o Minimum of 18 years or older, no upper age limit. All ages are welcome and encouraged to apply.

o Prior knowledge and/or a desire to learn as much as possible about food security issues and farming in the southwest desert

o Ability to build rapport with diverse populations

o Proficient with Microsoft Office software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

o Ability to multi-task and coordinate projects

o Ability to be flexible and work well in a variety of situations

o Documentation and organizational skills

o Strong problem solving, writing, and communication skills

o Ability to understand "big picture" while completing detail oriented tasks

o Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in a team setting in a consistent, energetic, positive manner

o Friendly and effective interpersonal skills

o Healthy sense of humor

o Flexible schedule required

o Spanish language skills highly preferred

o Reliable and consistent access to a vehicle is required

 

AmeriCorps State Member Benefits (900 Hour)

●  $6,265 living allowance during term of service

●  Upon completion of service, part-time (900 hour) AmeriCorps members receive a $2,907.50 education award that can be applied to educational costs or student loans

●  Members participate in 10 (2-hour) trainings that qualify them for a Certificate in Civic Leadership and 4 college credits from Prescott College

●  Team support and coaching

Arizona Serve is committed to implementing inclusive practices in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, ethnic background, sex, disability, size, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Those who have marginalized identities, whether or not those identities provide protected status, are encouraged to apply.

Prescott College is a proud participant in the Employers of National Service initiative. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please download the AmeriCorps State application: HERE