Field Learning for Teens
Great River Greening helps hundreds of young people every year become the stewards of tomorrow by providing opportunities for hands-on and immersive instruction. Field Learning For Teens is a service learning program focused on introducing and educating youth of color about environmental science, green jobs, and the role they can play in protecting and conserving our natural resources. Through field activities and team-building, youth learn about the role of technology and science in enjoying and improving our environment; acquire specific skills in the field activities; explore environmental science and technology careers; expand their horizons in seeking opportunities for further education, involvement, and employment. Sessions are held each spring and fall.
Goals
- Engage youth of color in topics related to environmental science, the economic value of biodiversity, leadership and community service, and career development skills.
- Teach youth about challenges facing land and water and the role of science in society today.
- Provide hands-on activities related to conservation at one of many natural areas throughout the Metro.
- Provide exposure to Great River Greening scientists and other green job professionals through corporate sponsors and professional networks.
Accomplishments
- 180 youth engaged in Field Learning for Teens in 2015 alone
- Engagement of 1,100 youth of color in the program since its inception.
Partners
Great River Greening partners with many youth programs and schools for Field Learning For Teens, including YouthCare, Community of Peace Academy, River’s Edge Academy, and Laura Jeffrey Academy. This creates synergy with those programs, bringing a rich environmental science component to curriculum or youth development.
Field Learning for Teens Funders
Major funding from 3M Foundation, Andersen Corporate Foundation, Best Buy Children’s Foundation, Capitol Region Watershed District, Ecolab Foundation, Pentair Foundation, McNeely Foundation, and Tennant Foundation.
Youth Mentoring
Part of Great River Greening’s education goal is to help inform and connect Twin Cities youth to professionals with green jobs. We are seeking mentors with green jobs to share their stories and career path with at-risk youth. Mentoring opportunities typically last 1-2 hours and take place during Great River Greening office hours, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.
Contact our Volunteer Manager at 651-272-3989 or by email for more information.
Internships
Interns work side-by-side with Great River Greening staff on various projects, such as:
- Communications/Marketing
- Database management
- Development
- Event planning
- GIS mapping
- Graphic design
- Volunteer management
- Community Mapping