The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps is a 501c3 service, conservation, and youth development organization. Our Food and Farm Program engages communities in food security agriculture projects.

The mission of the VYCC is to teach young people personal responsibility through meaningful work that connects us to the land, community, and one another. To instill these skills and values, VYCC enrolls young people in paid work opportunities. Our model is strong and simple: Youth Corps Members work together in small groups, guided by highly trained leaders, to complete high priority projects in conservation and agriculture. 

Headquartered on historic Vermont farmland, we apply this crew model to our Food and Farm program by employing youth, guided by leaders, in important hunger relief and sustainable agriculture projects. As such The Farm at VYCC engages its Youth Corps Members, leaders and community in the Health Care Share, a community-based public health project that connects Vermont families who are unable to afford or access fresh, nutritious food with a weekly share of locally grown produce.

AmeriCorps project lead-

This position involves both food production and programmatic aspects of the Health Care Share, including youth crews and volunteers working on the project.

During pre-season months, the member focuses on Health Care Share project planning, Food & Finance curriculum refinement, and preparing for youth crews. During the summer field season, the member will coordinate project details and logistics, facilitate Food & Finance classes, and provide a productive, safe working environment for youth crews to grow and deliver Health Care Shares to partnering medical centers. During the Fall season, the member will coordinate the remaining weeks of the Health Care Share, including arranging and leading projects for volunteers and after school youth crews

AmeriCorps Team Leader-

Leading a crew is an adventure unlike any you’ve ever had before! As a teacher, work supervisor, and a role model, you will be responsible for building a community, ensuring your crew’s health and safety, and teaching life and job skills. By professionally managing your work project and ensuring high-quality standards, you’ll stretch your comfort zones and bask in the sweet rewards that follow.

AmeriCorps Peer Crew:

Members live in yurts or lean-tos with their crew evenings and weekends, and participate in the Health Care Share project. Crews are co-ed and consist of up to eight Corps Members who come together from all walks of life to build strong bonds with each other and the surrounding environment. They work together to learn and practice sustainable agriculture, food security projects, and complete nutrition and cooking courses.

Compensation: AmeriCorps members receive a weekly living allowance, farm fresh food, and earn a Segal Education Award at the completion of service. Limited housing is available; please inquire to learn more.

* We are looking for adult leaders who are ready for a challenge and enjoy working with young people as teachers, mentors, supervisors, and role models. Excellent leadership is the most crucial factor in determining a crew’s success.