PARK PROGRAMS: HARLEM YOUTH GARDENERS
OUR SPRING 2023 APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR OVERWHELMING INTEREST IN THIS PROGRAM
HARLEM YOUTH GARDENERS (AGES 14 - 19)
Harlem Youth Gardeners (HYG) assist with gardening and park maintenance in four Historic Harlem Parks -- Jackie Robinson, Marcus Garvey, Morningside and St. Nicholas.The Winter 2022 session focused on Jackie Robinson and Marcus Garvey parks. NOTE: Due to restrictions from the funder of our Spring 2023 Program it will focus on Morningside and St. Nicholas Parks and teens must reside in Manhattan Community District 9.
Now in its fourth year, the HYG program provides an opportunity for TWENTY-FOUR teens per session, working in teams of 12 with two program educators, to learn about the history and ecology of the parks, gardening and landscaping, leadership skills, along with environmental science, ecosystems, and sustainability. HYG teens are paid a competitive wage to work in the parks as they learn.
DATES: Spring 2023 Session: Eight Weeks- April 15 - June 11, 2023 Note: The Program will take a break and not meet over the Memorial Day weekend.
DAYS/TIMES: Choice of Saturday or Sunday*, 9 AM - 5 PM
*As available for two teams of 12.
The 2023 Spring Program is generously sponsored by a grant from the West Harlem Development Corporation.
The HYG 2023 application is now closed.
For a taste of the program
View the Spring 2022 program presentation
HELP US EXPAND THE HARLEM YOUTH GARDNERS PROGRAM
We are actively seeking sponsors to help support our neighborhood youth via this valuable program.
Contact us for details on how your tax-deductible donation can help support the Harlem Youth Gardeners.
MEET JUST A FEW OF THE HARLEM YOUTH GARDENERS FROM PREVIOUS SESSIONS:
ALYSSA
Gardener
I want this job to boost me later in life and show that I am a determined to succeed in whatever I do.
ANAITA
Gardener
I'd like to learn more about ecology and become more active in my community.
CHRIS
Gardener
I want to contribute to Earth's most beautiful thing -- nature! And learn to become a better leader.
EVELYN
Gardener
Parks bring stressed individuals a sense of calmness and tranquility. I would love to be a part of a group that helps make our city parks a better place for everyone.
CAGE
Gardener
I want to learn more about our parks' history and make our community a better place.
OLIVER
Gardener
I really enjoy being in the park with my dog, Lulu, because it's so calming. I want to help preserve such a valuable place for everyone to enjoy.
TIARA
Gardener
I'm very interested in learning more about gardening because it may lead to a future career direction. I especially love purple flowers!
EDEN
Team Leader
Eden was a member of the 2020 HYG Gardeners and invited back to be a Team Leader. This year, she's also exploring ways to promote the HYGs via social media marketing.
DARREN
Team Leader
Darren was also invited to return to the HYG Program in 2021 as a Team Leader. He's continuing to hone his leadership and organizational skills.
