Silicon Valley HealthCorps

An Innovative Partnership

In an innovative new partnership, The Health Trust has joined together with AmeriCorps and ten local organizations -- including Collective Roots -- to form the Silicon Valley HealthCorps. The goal of this program is to use gardens, farm to school programs and the work of 46 AmeriCorps members to bring fresh fruits, vegetables and education to residents of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Collective Roots is pleased to serve as a partner organization since the program's inception in 2009, and as a host for HealthCorps members.

HealthCorps at Collective Roots

During the 2009-2010 program year, Collective Roots hosted six HealthCorps members. To learn more about them, please click here. For the 2010-2011 program year, Collective Roots plans to host one full-time member and two quarter-time members. For more information, see below.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2010-2011 Silicon Valley HealthCorps program are now being accepted. Listed below are the available positions with Collective Roots. For information on how to apply for any of these positions, please email both svhealthcorps@healthtrust.org and healthcorps@collectiveroots.org. Please note that term of engagement for each of these positions is from September 27, 2010 to September 26, 2011.

Available Positions

Food System Change Agent (1 full-time paid position)

Member will implement innovative community- and school-based programs and activities designed to increase food access, improve health outcomes, and engage local community members in advocating for positive change in their food system. Activities will primarily include: (1) teaching garden-based learning programming for grades K-8, and (2) supporting a backyard gardener network in East Palo Alto.

(1) teaching garden-based learning programming for grades K-8 (50%)

• prepare for and implement garden, environmental, nutrition and food curriculum in programs for K-5, middle and high school grades;
• support the garden programs by helping with class planning and preparation, garden maintenance, tool and materials maintenance and other organization;
• document programs for the Collective Roots website and e-newsletter;
• create and document curriculum for educational programs;
• assist with projects to maintain and improve the garden and garden programs.
• assist with monthly Saturday garden work day 

(2) supporting a backyard gardener network in East Palo Alto (50%)

• design the infrastructure to support the new backyard gardener network;
• obtain materials and supplies to support the development of new backyard gardens;
• organize network programming (guest speakers, seed exchanges, social events);
• provide gardening assistance and mentoring to members;
• attend community events and deliver community presentations to promote the network;
• reach out to partner organizations, groups and residents to establish points of collaboration;
• develop and distribute outreach materials; and
• support the continued development of the network.

This position involves working with teachers, staff, students and parents at various Collective Roots partner school sites. It includes extensive out-of-office work in the community and building relationships with local residents, so written and spoken proficiency in a second language (Spanish, Tongan or Samoan) is highly recommended.

For information on how to apply, please email both svhealthcorps@healthtrust.org and healthcorps@collectiveroots.org. The earliest possible start date for this position is September 27, 2010.

Garden Educator (2 quarter-time paid positions)

Garden Educators will work with the Collective Roots K-5 Instructor and/or Middle School Garden Educator to:

• prepare for and implement garden, environmental, nutrition and food curriculum in programs for K-5, middle and high school grades;
• support the garden programs by helping with class planning and preparation, garden maintenance, tool and materials maintenance and other organization;
• document programs for the Collective Roots website and e-newsletter;
• create and document curriculum for educational programs;
• assist with projects to maintain and improve the garden and garden programs; and
• assist with monthly Saturday garden work day.

This position involves working with teachers, staff, students and parents at various Collective Roots partner school sites.

For information on how to apply, please email both svhealthcorps@healthtrust.org and healthcorps@collectiveroots.org. The earliest possible start date for this position is September 27, 2010. 

The Silicon Valley HealthCorps is funded through a grant from Americorps and the Partnership is led by The Health Trust, a Silicon Valley nonprofit foundation with a vision to make Silicon Valley the healthiest region in America.