Internships
The Urban Growers Collective Internship Program Cycle for 2024 is closed.
Sign up on our 2025 Internship Interest Form to receive updates for the upcoming season!
The goal of our internship program is to provide a realistic experience as an urban farmer and food access advocate in Chicago. Interns work alongside UGC staff for 10 weeks to learn tangible professional skills within the fields of urban agriculture and food access/justice. Interns assist UGC staff in all aspects of our operations – Production, Food Access, Community Engagement, and more. This is a hands-on urban farming experience, driven by the learning objectives of the individual and organization in collaboration. Interns can deepen their learning through participating in the internship process for up to 3 years, with each year allowing greater program flexibility and building expertise within chosen topic areas.
Internships are seasonal with a Spring, Summer, and Fall Session.
Intern Requirements
18 years or older (this internship is primarily geared towards college-aged students, or those seeking a career shift)
Ability to commit to at least 3 working days per week, for a program length of 10 weeks.
Interest and passion for learning about urban agriculture and food access topics!
Expectations & Duties
Expectations of Interns
To assist Urban Growers Collective staff in all aspects of community food systems, urban agriculture, small farmer outreach and youth development via innovative sustainable approaches.
To maintain appropriate dress, hygiene, and conduct and to represent UGC in a positive manner
To bring a positive attitude, the ability to receive constructive criticism, and a strong work ethic. This is mandatory due to the nature of the work and the communities we serve
To demonstrate flexibility in work assignments as needed. Interns have a high level of responsibility and will be expected work as a member of the team
To communicate effectively with diverse audiences, staff, and management
To be able to multi-task, solve problems, and make sound decisions
Physical Demands
Applicants with physical limitations are encouraged to propose enabling methods or less physically-demanding opportunities.
The ability to perform physical farm labor, which includes crouching, kneeling, squatting, bending over, and standing for long periods of time
The ability to handle objects and tools and to reach with hands and arms
The ability to lift heavy objects–upwards of 75 lbs–from different locations, use wheelbarrows, wagons, etc.
The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, etc.
The ability to work near apiaries and wild bee populations
What We Provide
Supervision, intensive hands-on training, and skillset acquisition with the opportunity to conduct and implement independent projects
Continued mentoring support as needed post-internship
Solid experience in urban agriculture working with diverse community sites and partners
Participation in workshops and special events
School credit, if applicable
Access to fresh produce
Questions?
Please direct all internship inquiries to:
info@urbangrowerscollective.org