Sankofa Community Farm Youth Internship
Growing food sovereignty with an African Diaspora focus
Want to grow food, build personal skills, and strengthen your community? Sankofa Community Farm’s high school interns learn, practice, and teach sustainable and traditional farming practices, food sovereignty, food nutrition and preparation, and more.
The concept of Sankofa is derived from King Adinkera of the Akan people of West Africa. Sankofa is expressed in the Akan language as “se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyi.” Literally translated, it means, “It is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot” — or, as we say, “Go back and get it.”
The internship program includes intensive outdoor work, especially in July and August, along with a year-round curriculum rooted in the history and culture of the African Diaspora. The Farm annually employs up to 25 paid high school interns from Southwest Philadelphia.
Applications for the 2024 Sankofa Summer Farm Crew Internship are now closed.
Check back later for other upcoming youth opportunities at Sankofa Community Farm.
The Farm Crew Internship at Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden is a summer position that focuses on community food education, cultural discovery, personal and professional growth, and neighborhood wellness for youth and adults in Southwest Philadelphia.
We farm using natural and sustainable agriculture methods and sell the produce at local youth-powered farmers’ markets. Interns will become teachers and learners as they receive training and guidance in the areas of growing food, cooking food, career development, character building, and professionalism.
Interns must be committed to making a difference in their communities and therefore are required to have a high level of personal responsibility and a commitment to attend and actively participate every day.
Who Is Eligible?
Applications for this competitive program are accepted seasonally. In order to be eligible to apply, you must:
- Live, attend school, or have other personal connections in Southwest Philadelphia, especially in the neighborhoods of Kingsessing, Eastwick, or Elmwood Park; and
- Be age 14 to 17 at the time of participation. Students must be in the 9th or 10th at the time of participation (entering by the fall); students may work the summer after graduating high school.
There is no academic requirement to apply; however, participating interns are supported to maintain at least a C average in all their classes.
Time Commitment & Hours
Hours: 20 hours/week, Tuesday – Friday, 8:30am – 2:00pm
Internship duration: 6 weeks starting July 2024
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities include:
- Work hard—”work is your signature”
- Explore personal, cultural, family, and community foodways
- Be an active listener and participant in discussions
- Assist in the daily operations and tasks of the Farm at Bartram’s Garden
- Lead volunteer days
- Teach community members and youth through workshops
- Commit to working on a team, and accept and receive feedback
- Stay positive, productive, and professional at all times
- Be able to lift over 40 lbs and work in all weather conditions
You may also be interested in:
Sankofa Community Farm
Growing food sovereignty with an African Diaspora focus.
Youth Programs
Calling local students! Paid youth leadership and free summer camp available.
