EPNI Youth and Young Adult Education
Planting Knowledge
Planting Knowledge is a new education initiative, giving the youth of East Phillips and surrounding neighborhoods quality education on plants, ecology, and agriculture. Our accessible lessons use a variety of hands-on learning, art, and cultural teachings to give all students the chance to learn in the way that works best for them. All of our education programs are completely free!
After School Programs
Spring Session (April-May) & Fall Session (September-October)
Ages 10-16
After school programs offered every Thursday for the full two months from 4-6pm. Students will learn about plants and the world around them using art and cultural indigenous teachings. Each session includes one field trip. Students will each be given a plant notebook, where they will record all their lessons and notes on plants and agriculture using collages, photography, and art. These notebooks will go home with them after each session. Spring session will focus on seed anatomy, how plants grow, and the nutrients that plants need. Fall session will focus on where our food comes from, how plants are domesticated, and how to harvest and process food and medicinal plants.
Fall 2026 dates: September 3rd-October 29th. This year, the program will be held at the East Phillips Cultural Center.
Summer Camp
Summer Session (July)
Ages 10-16
Offered for two weeks, Monday-Friday 10am to 5pm. Students will learn about plants and insects, with lessons on botany, plant identification, and entomology. These lessons are mixed in fun learning activities, art, and plenty of time outside. Each session includes one field trip for variety in the learning environment. Much like the after school programs, each student will record their lessons and notes in their plant notebook using collages, photography, and art. All students will also receive hands-on lessons with plants and food, getting the chance to cook with food plants that they learn about during the program. Students will be encouraged to follow their own passions during the program, focusing on their strengths (like art, cooking, science, etc.) while branching out and trying new things.
Summer 2026 dates: July 13th to July 24th. This year, the program will be held at the East Phillips Cultural Center.
Apprenticeships
All Year
Young Adults
These are paid part-time work positions intended to give young adults hands on job training and experience. In 2026, we have three different apprenticeship opportunities: Education Aid Apprentices, Farm Aid Apprentice, and Woodworking Apprentices. Each opportunity will give participants ample training and lessons and real life work experiences. We work with each apprentice closely to ensure they have all the tools they need to continue in their chosen field! We currently have applications open for our Education Aid Apprentices (ages 19-24) and Woodworking Apprentices (ages 20+)
Fall 2026: training will be 20 hours between August 24th-August 31st. Classroom teaching experience will be every Thursday, September 3rd-October 29th.