Growing Food, Supporting Youth
Our Mission
Alaska Seeds of Change employs and empowers local youth, promoting self-reliance and community involvement, to grow and sell fresh produce.
Building skills within our future generations
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 staff initially start at Seeds as apprentices, by volunteering for school credit or through an apprenticeship program with one of our partner agencies.
Those who have successfully completed an apprenticeship at Alaska Seeds of Change are eligible to apply for continuing work as a Greenhouse Grower. In this position, they mentor the next generation of apprentices.
We tend to look for people without much job experience, especially those who want to learn both how to get and keep a job, and a little extra about how to be an adult. Even though we are a program of AKBH, employees do not need to be 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.
Youth Apprenticeships / Internships
Are you interested in applying for one of our apprenticeships? You can read more about how you can join our team below or contact our one of our Lead Greenhouse Growers. Alaska Seeds of Change offers two types of apprenticeship programs to youth.
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.
Extra Benefits for Seeds Apprentices/Staff
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.
FORMAL SERVICES
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.
Our Values
COMMUNITY: We strive to create a safe, collaborative space for positive growth, embracing diverse experiences, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. We contribute to our local community through social service, economic growth, and fresh food.
SUSTAINABILITY: We teach youth life skills and provide long-term support to foster stable growth toward independence. We rely on the combined efforts of youth and adults to develop a sustainable social enterprise business, ensuring that our community will grow strong and vibrant for generations to come.
CARING: We encourage youth to actively explore their values and goals, and to pursue them with enthusiasm, caring, and commitment. We recognize our responsibility to care for ourselves and for others.
BALANCE: We prioritize balance between different aspects of life, including: Innovation and Tradition, Work and Play, Purpose and Profit
