Youth ages 14-24
Alaska Seeds of Change works with young people ages 16-24 to help them develop the vocational and personal skills needed to become successful adults. Most young people initially start at Seeds as paid or volunteer apprentices; they then may apply for continuing work mentoring the next generation of apprentices.
Apprentices do not need to be Alaska Behavioral Health clients or meet any special qualifications. Alaska Seeds of Change is not a treatment program or a traditional employer; we are a community of people who support each other and share knowledge to help each other succeed.
Alaska Seeds of Change offers two types of apprenticeship programs to youth ages 14-24.
Paid Apprenticeships Through Community Partners
Youth enrolled in job training programs with Nine Star, McLaughlin Youth Center, and Cook Inlet Tribal Council can apply to have their work-site experience at Alaska Seeds of Change.
Earn School Credit
Youth may be able to earn school credit through a volunteer apprenticeship at Alaska Seeds of Change. We partner with King Tech High School, SAVE High School, and the ASD Gifted Mentorship Program.
Please stop by during open hours (every Wednesday and Thursday, 1 to 5 pm at 704 W 26th Avenue in Anchorage) or contact one of our program supervisors to learn more!
Additional Supports for Youth at Seeds
Training: Youth receive on-the-job training, as well as auxiliary training in other important areas, including: housing, higher education, future planning, money management, and much more!
Long term support: Youth are encouraged to keep coming to Alaska Seeds of Change after their apprenticeship or employment ends, to continue receiving support or to share their experiences and mentor others in the program.
Referrals: Program staff are knowledgeable about local resources and can assist youth in getting connected with financial, educational, employment, parenting, and housing supports, among others. Peer outreach workers at the POWER Center next door can offer additional support.
Mental Health Support: Youth have the option to enroll in mental health services at Alaska Behavioral Health, through which they can receive formal case management, skill development, and clinical therapy.
POWER Center: The POWER Center youth drop-in program next door offers free laundry, showers, access to kitchen facilities and other resources for youth. Peer outreach workers and peer support specialists help youth identify and meet their needs.
Volunteers
Alaska Seeds of Change is always looking for passionate, community minded folks of all ages to join us! The best way to get started with volunteering is to stop by during our weekly drop-in hours, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 5 pm (704 W 26th Avenue in Anchorage.) If that time doesn’t work for you, keep reading below!
How to get started volunteering!
- Contact us! We’ll schedule a time to meet and do an orientation tour so you can decide if this is a good fit.
- Complete our volunteer paperwork. Please bring completed forms with you the first time you volunteer! (If you don’t have printer access, you can complete paperwork at our building the first time you volunteer.)
- Complete the volunteer application.
- Please watch our volunteer training video (below)
- Download, read and fill out the Volunteer Agreement Form.
- It is not required, but we request that you also fill out our media release.
- We will send you a request through Sterling volunteers to complete the required information for a background check.
What to expect from Volunteering
Great company
– A warm, green environment
– When available, we’ll send you home with free, fresh produce
– After 30 hours you’ll get a Seeds of Change shirt
Watch our Volunteer Orientation Video
Group Volunteering
Working together as a team at AK Seeds of Change is a great opportunity for corporate or academic team building team, learning about hydroponics, and supporting Anchorage’s youth! Please contact our volunteer coordinator volunteer@Akseedsofchange.com for more information.
