The Food Project: Youth. Food. Community.

 Academic Year Program 2006-2007

What is the Academic Year Program?

The Academic Year Program, in its eleventh year, employs individuals from communities in the Greater Boston area, ages 14-17 who have completed The Food Project’s Summer Youth Program.

 North Shore -- Academic Year Program 2007-2008

The Academic Year Program, in its first year on the North Shore, employs 12 Crew workers, and 2 Assistant Crew Leaders from communities on the North Shore, ages 14-17 who have completed The Food Project’s Summer Youth Program.

Members of the D.I.R.T. Crew (Dynamic, Intelligent, Responsible Teenagers) dedicate Saturdays and after-school hours to lead volunteers on our farm sites; work in food-pantries; and attend conferences to speak about their experiences working for The Food Project.  The Academic Year Program focuses on developing leadership and public speaking skills as well as enhancing communication skills and deepening agricultural knowledge in the young people with whom we work.

The Academic Year Program offers young people the opportunity to:

•  WORK outdoors on the land

•  GROW tons of vegetables

•  SPEAK to others about your work

•  DESIGN useful & beautiful city spaces

•  LEAD volunteers on the farm

•  SERVE at food pantries

•  MAKE new friends

•  LEARN about yourself!

Take a look at the application guidelines and deadlines.

When does the program start?

The Academic Year Program begins in early September each year and continues through mid-June. Interested applicants can apply for:

        1. The Full Year Program

                      or

        2. One or two of the three trimesters.

What are the work hours?

D.I.R.T. Crew members work every Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and during optional after-school hours.

How much will I get paid?

Participants make a stipend of $42 on Saturdays, and about $15 for after-school work days.

How do I get there?

The Food Project bus will pick up D.I.R.T. Crew members at a central public transportation stop.

What should I wear to work?

Everyone is required to wear a Food Project T-shirt to work.  In addition, you may be issued weather appropriate work gear, which you will also be required to wear.

Will this program prepare me for future jobs?

You will learn valuable skills in communication, cooperation, self-discipline, problem-solving, team work, and perserverance.

You'll also have new perspectives about service, diversity, work, life, and yourself.

Working with the Food Project also looks great on job resumes and college applications.