SPRING: Environmental Health Literacy & Placemaking Service-Learning Projects

Concrete Safaris has prepared youth in East Harlem and beyond to lead healthy lives and shape their environment through outdoor education, play, exploration, and community engagement since 2008. This is an opportunity for individuals (ages 18+) enrolled in a STEAM-related college major to apply for an AmeriCorps Member role at Concrete Safaris’ PlacemakingCorps. Concrete Safaris’ PlacemakingCorps offers individuals 450 of national service (like the Peace Corps but in the United States) to explore a career in public and environmental health and placemaking, while supporting youth development and community building. This AmeriCorps Member’s Purpose in the Program will be to conduct child- and youth-centered environmental health literacy and place-based service-learning interventions in East Harlem.

Different Service Options Below:

Starting: May 2026 -  August 2026

Quarter Time position ( Hours depend on start date ) - Must complete 450 hours. Receive a Living Allowance of $5,393 (broken up into 2 week increments), Segal Education Award of $1,956.35 plus Concrete Safaris’ Scholarship of $2,250 (Once you complete all trainings and hours).

Role Responsibilities:

Through direct service, planning, and leadership of child and youth-centered environmental health service learning projects, AmeriCorps members will gain skills and confidence to develop as leaders. AmeriCorps members will educate children and youth on environmental health, facilitating implementation of their visions for a healthy neighborhood through gardening, outdoor play, and art interventions for neighbors.

Program and Activity Facilitation: Engage local 2nd - 5th-graders in morning and after-school environmental activities, STEAM workshops, service projects and educational field trips. This includes gardening, outdoor play, photography, placemaking and environmental field trips.

Positive Role Modeling: Serve as a positive role model to students 7 - 24 yrs old. This involves building trusting relationships, listening to students' concerns and providing guidance for service projects, and helping them develop outdoor environmental STEAM and placemaking service projects.

Academic Support: Members will lead educational games, workshops and service projects to help students build confidence, leadership skills and a love for the outdoors. Members will assist with homework during homework time as needed.

Data Tracking and Reporting: Maintain records of student attendance, progress, and submit regular reports to the PlacemakingCorps Coordinator. Facilitate pre- and post-tests.

Education / Training: Members are required to attend all AmeriCorps trainings, non-AmeriCorps trainings, and service projects for events such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I Love My Park Day, Earth Day, and the Annual AmeriCorps New York Service Summit. Members participating in the summer are also required to proactively plan for and participate in Concrete Safaris’ Transformation Week.

Skills and Qualifications:

Physical Stamina: The service is physically demanding and is done outdoors in all types of weather. You must be able to lift heavy items (like wheelbarrows, tables, and garden, photo, or outdoor play equipment, as it relates to your role), and stand / squat for long periods of time.

Strong Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with students, teachers, parents, and other service members is essential.

Patience and Empathy: You must be able to serve students from diverse backgrounds and different learning levels, showing patience and understanding.

Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively with other AmeriCorps Members and school staff is crucial to the program's success.

Commitment to Service: A strong passion for environmental education, being outdoors, youth development and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of students.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Must be age 18+
Must be currently enrolled in a college/university
Must be a US citizen or US national or lawful permanent resident
Must pass criminal background checks
Must be interested in pursuing a career in the field of public health or a STEAM-related field
Must be able to and willing to get to and from Concrete Safaris’ East Harlem campus
Must be fully COVID vaccinated
Must be able to ride a two-wheeled bicycle in NYC traffic

Benefits:

Up to $5,393 bi-weekly living allowance (paid in increments every other week if you meet your minimum required service hours)
Up to $1,956.35 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of the program (includes required service and eduction/training hours)
Student loan forbearance
Up to $2,250 Concrete Safaris’ Scholarship (includes required service and eduction/training hours)

Service Schedule:

Approximately 450 hours of service during the school year, summer, or overlapping. See more details here: https://concretesafaris.org/csplacemakingcorpsservice2025to26/
Monday-Friday, Select Saturdays

Program Start/End Date

450 Hour Term: May 2026 - August 2026

All application materials, incl. background checks, must be completed before start date.

To learn more and apply visit: https://concretesafaris.org/csplacemakingcorpsservice2025to26/ or send resume to Christopher Hartsfield, Program Director at christopher@concretesafaris.org