Grow with us.

Working Food’s Youth Program offers interdisciplinary learning experiences that encourage curiosity and create opportunities for students to develop empowering knowledge and skills alongside neighbors and friends in safe, shared community spaces. Our in-garden programming, hosted at five community centers for pre-K through high school aged students, includes high-quality, weekly, hands-on gardening classes and nutrition-centered cooking classes that use culturally relevant recipes and ingredients grown by students. Our systems-based culinary programming includes Young Chefs cooking classes for teens, culinary arts training and food safety certification for young adults, and a Food Systems Leadership internship for 14-17 year olds. The Youth Programs Intern will assist with all aspects of Working Food’s Youth Programs.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW 

The Youth Programs Intern will assist the Youth Programs Manager and Youth Programs Director in providing high quality enrichment classes.  This will include assisting in at least two of five weekly gardening classes for pre-K through middle school students, acting as an aide in teaching as well as assisting youth with hands-on projects.  The Intern will be responsible for assisting with the set-up and break-down of classes, which are often held outdoors. The Intern may also assist with youth day camps or workshops.  Depending on availability, the Intern may assist with youth culinary classes in the Working Food kitchen, which would include hands-on assistance with class set-up and break-down, class preparation and research in the Working Food office, greenhouse work at GROW HUB, and/or garden maintenance at various community centers around town.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide general guidance and instruction during activities, ensuring that participants understand the rules and objectives.  Provide one-on-one assistance for students who may need extra attention.

• Serve as a positive role model and mentor for participants, offering support and encouragement during classes.

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants at all times.  The intern will never be expected to provide supervision alone, but will be an additional responsible adult in garden and kitchen classes.

• Foster a fun and inclusive atmosphere where participants feel motivated and excited to participate.

• Respect and appreciate cultural diversity among participants and colleagues.

• Mediate conflicts among participants diplomatically and fairly.

• Be prepared to administer basic first aid and respond to emergencies as needed, typically by promptly notifying Working Food Staff. 

• Assist with logistical tasks such as setting up equipment, organizing supplies, and cleaning up after activities.

• Be flexible and adaptable to changes in schedules, weather conditions, or participant needs.

• Maintain open and clear communication with Working Food staff.

• Work respectfully under the direction of community partners and their staff – ie City of Gainesville, Cultural Arts Coalition, Greater Duval Neighborhood Association, Chef Empowerment, Project Youthbuild, and Southwest Advocacy Group.

• Perform basic gardening tasks with supervision including, but not limited to, weeding, watering, applying soil amendments, trellising, and pruning.

• Perform basic greenhouse tasks with supervision including, but not limited to, seeding trays, up-potting, thinning seedlings, watering.

• Perform basic kitchen prep tasks with supervision including, but not limited to, cutting vegetables, cooking, and baking.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete this Application Form

• If accepted for an internship, Working Food requires a level two background check for all interns working with children. 

  • The background check will be completed at the expense of Working Food.

  • Working Food will only disqualify prospective interns with past charges that pose a threat to children. Non-violent offenses will not prevent participation in the program. 

  • The results of the background check are not shared with UF/SFC, if they are the institution sponsoring the internship.

• Please note that all internship opportunities are unpaid and do not entitle the intern to wages, compensation or other fringe benefits.

We accept internship applications on a rolling basis. If you do not see an opening that matches your interests please fill out our Application Form and we will reach out with available opportunities.