Urban Fellows
service learning...
Urban Fellows is our service-learning program for Bridgeport, CT youth aged 14 to 18 years old. The program takes place year-round during 4 different sessions. Youth who participate in Urban Fellows are eligible to apply for our Urban Explorers program which takes participants on experiential learning trips to National Park sites throughout the country such as Yellowstone National Park in Montana, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts, and others.
Up to 240 youth can participate in one of our four (4) sessions starting in January (Winter), April (Spring), July (Summer), or October (Fall) each year. The program combines classroom instruction and community service projects over the course of eight (8) weeks. The focus of the program is on landscape design, horticulture, and creative placemaking with an eye towards urban beautification and revitalization. Learning is achieved through a variety of landscape and recreational activities.
Classroom instruction takes place in Groundwork’s offices in downtown Bridgeport and community service projects take place at sites throughout the city. During class time, participants learn about urban horticulture, plant identification, landscape architecture, and other topics related to the stewardship of the physical environment. Classroom instruction is supplemented with community service projects that tie back to what was taught and can include tree planting, raised bed construction, community garden maintenance and other activities.
Space for this program is limited to 60 participants per session. To be notified when the next application comes out, please sign up below or apply online here. For more information, please call the office at 203-335-6126.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis however deadlines for priority consideration follow the below schedule:
Spring Session: January 31st
Summer Session: April 30th
Fall Session: July 31st
Winter Session: October 30th