Youth Entrepreneurship Cooperative Fellow

NOTE TO APPLICANTS:

City Blossoms will only consider candidates for up to two fellowship positions maximum. To be considered for multiple fellowship positions, candidates should submit separate applications (resume and short essay responses) for each position they would like to be considered for through the Idealist portal. Please do not use AI assistants during the application process, including but not limited to, essay responses or other written content. You are more likely to be chosen for an interview if you answer in your own words.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting in the first week in January. We will respond to all applicants by the end of January. The deadline to apply is January 11, 2026 11:59pm.

CITY BLOSSOMS FELLOW - YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP COOPERATIVE (YEC) FOCUS

REPORTS TO: Youth Entrepreneurship Cooperative Program Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt, Part-time

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

City Blossoms is a nonprofit that cultivates the well-being of our communities through creative programming in kid-driven gardens. We envision cities with abundant, accessible green space where communities thrive and children build lifelong connections to the natural world. Applying our unique brand of gardens, science, art, healthy living, and community building, we "blossom" in neighborhoods where kids, their families, and neighbors may not otherwise have access to green spaces.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

City Blossoms strives to create a work environment and programs based on our values:

• EQUITY. Strive to ensure access and inclusion for all
• DIVERSITY. Celebrate everyone's strengths and experiences
• RESPECT. Nurture compassion and consideration for all living things
• COLLABORATION. Enhance our impact by joining together
• CREATIVITY. Cultivate open-mindedness and experimentation

All City Blossoms programming aligns with our mission and strategic plan. City Blossoms staff work as a team to embody the values of the organization to carry out all aspects of our work.

OVERVIEW OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP COOPERATIVE PROGRAM

The Youth Entrepreneurship Cooperative (YEC) program aims to foster an environment where high school-aged youth, particularly from dense urban settings, have access to and develop relationships with nature, food, and each other through garden-based education and activities. The Youth Entrepreneurship Cooperative program works with students to promote academic, environmental, entrepreneurial, and personal skill development.

POSITION SUMMARY

City Blossoms’ fellowships are designed to support the professional development of young leaders interested in community and youth engagement, non-profit management, outdoor education, and/or environmental and food justice. Fellows work side-by-side with the City Blossoms team, receive training and coaching, and are provided the opportunities to lead their own projects within program areas.

The City Blossoms Fellow - YEC Focus is primarily responsible for assisting the YEC Program Manager in program development and implementation based on guidance from City Blossoms’ Strategic Plan. Program assistance includes but is not limited to: leading educational workshops with participating youth, developing lesson and workshop plans, creating organizational systems, supporting data collection, maintaining garden and greenhouse spaces, and fostering new and ongoing community partnerships. The Fellow will work closely with youth staff to support the growth of the youth-owned cooperative business Mighty Greens, in alignment with their mission of food access, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.

Additional responsibilities will be to support the rest of the City Blossoms team, including but not limited to: participation in volunteer-driven garden work days, and community events. The Fellow will receive mentorship and professional development to guide them in their career path and next steps after the Fellowship.

The position is 30 hours per week beginning February 17, 2026 and ending August 7, 2026.

The Fellow must be able to:

• Work in-person at the City Blossoms Studio and regularly travel to YEC garden sites: Eastern Senior High School and Cardozo Education Campus in Washington DC (locations found on our website). Some additional travel to other sites including Community Green Spaces and field trips sites. Travel reimbursement will be offered for travel to and from the studio to partner sites.
• Have flexibility to work between the hours 8:30am and 6:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday. City Blossoms will work with Fellow to ensure their weekly schedule is as consistent as possible. Programming occurs Tuesday-Friday after school from 3:30pm-6:00pm.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1- Program Administration

• Have an understanding of the program’s goals, objectives, target groups, and approaches;
• Work with Program Manager to drive program progress, ensure engagement, and overcome any implementation obstacles that the program may encounter;
• Follow quarterly program-specific work plans;
• Maintain close communication with City Blossoms staff and partners to support successful program implementation;
• Support back-end growth of Mighty Greens business, which may include fostering relationships with new and existing partners, ordering supplies, and supporting program outreach through social media and newsletters;
• Participate in programming meetings to support planning and implementation;
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting (written and verbal) to staff on project processes;
• Support accurate and timely data collection and input into evaluation trackers.

2- Program Support

• Co-teach YEC curriculum to youth participants;
• Support the creation of replicable program resources and materials;
• Assist with planning program calendars for the year;
• Organize materials for upcoming programming activities;
• Assist in the maintenance of the program gardens and greenhouses;
• Support Mighty Greens-led activities including the making of value-added products, tabling at events and farmers markets, and organizing trainings, skill-shares, trips, and donations;
• Conduct outreach in participating schools, including but not limited to speaking to classes, tabling at lunch, meeting with school partners, etc;
• Support City Blossoms events such as volunteer-driven garden work days, community celebrations, fundraisers, etc.

3- Representation, Networking, and Collaboration

• Maintain good working relationships with team members, outside partners, implementing partners and organizations, and other stakeholders;
• Represent City Blossoms in relevant forums;
• Provide City Blossoms with photos and material for social media, website, newsletters, and email correspondences;
• Communicate with City Blossoms team members around upcoming events and collaborations.

Other tasks in line with the essential functions/responsibilities mentioned above may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• High School Certificate or equivalent;
• Experience navigating conflict resolution with youth
• Two post-high school years of employment or education;
• Experience working with youth preferred; specifically with low income Black and Brown youth
• Interest working in diverse settings, on community-based initiatives, and directly with community members;
• Interest in landscaping, farming, or gardening preferred but not required;
• Passion for City Blossoms’ mission.

Requirements

• Successful completion of background checks including DC and FBI;
• Successful completion of DCPS Clearance;
• Submission of a COVID-19 proof of vaccination or proof of a medical or religious exemption.

Skills

• Spanish language proficiency preferred;
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines;
• At home working in a collaborative, fast-paced professional setting;
• Strong active listening, verbal and written communication skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Google applications;
• Strong problem-solving skills;
• High attention to detail and self-starter mentality;
• Preference for a highly collaborative and creative work environment;
• Comfortable with physical tasks, including lifting up to 20 pounds;
• Proficient presentation and public speaking skills.

Benefits Include:

• Employer coverage of health (75%), dental (100%), and vision (100%).
• 64 hours of paid time off, 56 hours of paid sick leave, 24 hours of bereavement leave.
• $250 professional development stipend.
• Travel benefits including: public transit, capital bikeshare, and mileage reimbursement.