Agency Mission : Fresh Roots is an integrated food program at United Teen Equality Center (UTEC), that has a 2 acre organic farm, a commercial kitchen and a small business. We work predominantly with low-income and urban teens to promote the core values of “peace, positivity, and empowerment”. We build leadership skills, civic engagement, and teamwork through the production, and distribution of organic vegetables on our plot in Dracut. We process and sell up to 50% of our harvest and donate the rest to local families, food pantries and shelters.

Specific responsibilities : No experience working with agriculture is necessary, but a willingness and attention to learn is required as well as a passion for working with young people. (ages 13-20). You will learn the basics of organic agriculture, community organizing, youth development, and small business management. Additional opportunities in art projects, food processing and culinary arts, and other areas of personal interest are also available. You will be expected to work in all conditions outdoors (rain and heat) and at peak seasons (june, august, September) you may be expected to work with a flexible schedule due to the inconsistent weather. You will always be expected to work hard, but it is healthy work outside and with good people, and you will have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.

Time Frame : Starting in March, the apprentice will work 4-8 hours/week in the greenhouse and doing field prep. We often work after school or on Saturdays to accommodate the teens’ schedules. When summer begins and the teens are out of school, the hours will be increased to 20-25, mostly morning and mid-day. The fall program, similar to the spring, is after school and on weekends, and requires 4-8 hours/week. There is a fair amount of flexibility in the schedule, but there are certain programmatic times that cannot be changed. One overnight retreat during the summer months will also be included in the program.

Compensation: This is primarily a training program, and as such we will support the learning of the apprentice in many capacities. Extra attention will be paid to teaching, based both on the program’s values and the interest of the apprentice. UTEC will also sponsor the admission to a regional conference of the apprentice’s choosing as well as provide a stipend of $3,000 commensurate to the completion of the program. Additionally, the apprentice is encouraged to take fresh veggies for him/herself and family free of charge throughout the season. Additional incentives include opportunities within the small business program, which could provide additional income for the apprentice as well as connections within the community for future job placement in a host of different industries, both for and non-profit.