About the Climate Apprentices Program
Urban Paradise Guild has created an intensive experiential service program that combines hard work, education, mentoring, and dedication to the community. Those who are prepared to make the commitment are not choosing this path because it is easy, but because they are called to fight for our future by serving their community. Those who complete their commitments will emerge with world-healing capabilities, new muscles, and the confidence to take on greater challenges.
We did not create Climate Crisis, but we are going to do all we can to fix it, one day at a time.
Are you ready to take a look?
Your job is to fight Climate Crisis through projects that literally change the world. Every Apprentice participates in Group Projects around 35 hours per week (educators will often have other assignments), and also provides Specialist services around 10 hours per week. Expect to learn new skills and build new muscles.
Group Projects:
UPG works "in the field" on Group Projects in the mornings. Work hours will be from around 7:30am-11:30am, so we can wrap up before it gets too hot. Projects usually involve physical labor: Tree planting, creating Butterfly habitats, removing Invasive plants and trees using manual tools. We operate our own nurseries and grow our own food. Expect to learn how to use shovels, picks, loppers, pruning saws, and more. There is real soil, real sweat, real bugs, real sun... and we train you to work smart and safe. Then we train you to lead a Volunteer Team, who will multiply your personal impact.
Your project work is part of a much larger impact fighting Climate Crisis, while making our community a better place for people and wildlife. UPG Projects accomplish "the impossible" by demonstrating that real change is possible. This allows us to seek changes in government Policy by asking the community to do as we do.
What is it like? Please watch the Projects and Education segments in our Climate Active Video!
Apprentice Specialties
Each Apprentice has a Specialty that contributes something unique to the Climate Apprentices Program on teams that align with Projects, Education, and Program Support . This comprises about 10 hours per week. Their specialty should relate to their education, career objectives, and passion for change.
We have 20 Apprentice slots that span sciences, arts, business, horticulture, food systems, and deep ecology. Click Here to Discover Specialties
Project Worksites:
Most Projects are at sites in Miami-Dade County, primarily NE Miami-Dade. You will be informed at least 1 week in advance of a new worksite. Carpooling is encouraged.
SCHEDULES & HOURS
A typical week will look something like this:
Fridays: 7:30am-4pm (Nursery Day, 60 min lunch) (7.5)Saturdays: 7:30am-Noon (Project)Sundays: 7:30am-Noon (Project)Mondays: 7:30am-11:30am (Project), 1pm-5pm (Mon Special Projects) Tuesdays: 7:30am-11:30am (Farm Day), 1pm-5pm (Tu Special Projects) Wednesdays: Off Thursdays: Off 2 Hours of Flextime at Your Convenience.
DURATION of Commitment:
35 hours per week, ending 07/31/2025Renewable over the next 2 years.
Living Allowance: $1,725 per month (35 hours per week)
UPG Farmshare Portion: We are launching a small organic farm to grow our own food, and you will help out. You will be entitled to a personal share once we start harvesting.
Educational Benefit: $5,176.50, following completion of your 10 month/35 hour commitment. Smaller commitments (300 and 450 hours) have lower Educational Benefits.
AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program (MAP):
24/7 toll-free telephonic access to services for members. Unlimited in the moment telephonic counseling services with master’s degree-level counselors Mobile app with resources and appointment scheduling access Medical Advocacy Financial and Legal Assistance (30-minute consultations) Life Coaching Personal Concierge for Everyday Needs Work/Life Resources & Referrals
SNAP Assistance:
If you file taxes as "head of household", you qualify for SNAP Assistance for purchasing food.
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