Company description Grow It Know It (GIKI) is an innovative and impactful year-round program that engages K-12 school students, school staff, university partners, and community members to understand and address “big picture” issues of poverty, food insecurity, and environmental sustainability through school gardens, hands-on educational activities, and workforce-development initiatives. A partnership between the Clarke County School District (CCSD), Barrow County School System (BCSS), University of Georgia Extension, the University of Georgia Office of Service-Learning, and UGArden, GIKI leverages resources, including a network of AmeriCorps VISTAs, to implement, sustain and extend this effective integration of school gardens and nutrition education into the school curriculum and culture. Over its first five years, GIKI has demonstrably fostered student interest and engagement relating to agriculture, family and consumer science, environmental sustainability, social equality, and workforce skills. Job description There are a total of 5 AmeriCorps VISTA positions open at Grow It Know It with area school gardens in both Barrow and Clarke counties, Georgia. The VISTAs work both independently and together to support school teachers in holistically improving student health through gardening, nutrition, and sustainability activities. These activities include leading educational programs, as well as working with community members and school personnel to support and maintain school gardens, enhance access to fresh fruits and vegetables, reduce food waste, and promote sustainability, both during the school day, after school, and during the summer.  Priority will be given to individuals who are recent graduates, have gardening experience, have an academic interest and background in related issues, and have previous experience working with school children. Ability to collaborate with diverse constituencies, work independently, travel (across schools in Barrow County), and utilize social media is required.

Americorps VISTA is a national program aimed at ending poverty. VISTAs receive a living stipend of approximately $800/month, and $6,000 education award at completion of the service year. We will assist in finding housing. To see more details about serving as an Americorps VISTA, in general: https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorpsvista Compensation this position is : stipend / non-monetary compensation Application instructions DeadlineJune 18, 2019