Alaska Seeds of Change is a joyful and welcoming vocational program that supports young people ages 16-24 and Alaska Behavioral Health clients to build job skills and personal resiliency while growing fresh produce year-round. We grow in outdoor garden spaces in summer and an indoor vertical hydroponic farm year-round.
Therapeutic Programming for All Ages
Alaska Seeds of Change offers a trauma-informed, nature-based space for healing, skill-building, and real-world growth. Alaska Behavioral Health clients are invited to engage in structured group or individual activities at Seeds under the direction of their clinical teams, and may continue to volunteer on their own.
To learn more, speak with your AKBH clinician or contact the Seeds team.
Youth ages 16-24
Alaska Seeds of Change works with young people ages 16-24 to help them develop the vocational and personal skills needed to become successful adults. Most young people initially start at Seeds as paid or volunteer apprentices; they then may apply for continuing work mentoring the next generation of apprentices.
Apprentices do not need to be Alaska Behavioral Health clients or have previous work experience.
Alaska Seeds of Change offers two types of apprenticeship programs to youth ages 16-24.
Paid Apprenticeships Through Community Partners
Youth enrolled in job training programs with Nine Star, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, and the State of Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can apply to have their work-site experience at Alaska Seeds of Change.
Earn School Credit
Youth may be able to earn school credit through a volunteer apprenticeship at Alaska Seeds of Change. We partner with King Tech High School, SAVE High School, and the ASD Gifted Mentorship Program.
Contact our program supervisors to learn more!
Additional Supports for Youth at Seeds
Training: Youth receive on-the-job training in basic workplace expectations and specific job skills for agricultural industries, including growing, data tracking, sales and marketing.
For additional support, youth are encouraged to enroll as Alaska Behavioral Health clients and participate in group services offered next door at POWER Youth Drop in Center. Topics include a wide variety of topics, from healthy relationships to budgeting to cooking.
Long term support: Youth are encouraged to keep coming to Alaska Seeds of Change after their apprenticeship or employment ends as volunteers to continue receiving support or to share their experiences and mentor others in the program.
Referrals: Peer Support Specialists next door at the the POWER Center are knowledgeable about local resources and can assist youth in getting connected with financial, educational, employment, parenting, healthcare, and housing supports, among others.
Mental Health Support: Youth have the option to enroll in mental health services at Alaska Behavioral Health, through which they can receive formal case management, skill development, and clinical therapy.
POWER Center: The POWER Center youth drop-in program next door offers free laundry, showers, access to kitchen facilities and other resources for youth. Peer support specialists help youth identify and meet their needs through individual conversations and education groups.
Volunteer
Alaska Seeds of Change is always looking for passionate, community minded folks of all ages to join us!
How to get started volunteering!
- Contact us! We’ll schedule a time to meet and do an orientation tour so you can decide if this is a good fit.
- Complete our volunteer paperwork. Please bring completed forms with you the first time you volunteer! (If you don’t have printer access, you can complete paperwork at our building the first time you volunteer.)
- Complete the volunteer application.
- Please watch our volunteer training video (below)
- Download, read and fill out the Volunteer Agreement Form.
- It is not required, but we request that you also fill out our media release.
- We will send you a request through Sterling volunteers to complete the required information for a background check.
What to expect from Volunteering
Great company
– A warm, green environment
– When available, we’ll send you home with free, fresh produce
– After 30 hours you’ll get a Seeds of Change shirt
Watch our Volunteer Orientation Video
Group Volunteering
Working together as a team at AK Seeds of Change is a great opportunity for corporate or academic team building team, learning about hydroponics, and supporting Anchorage’s youth! Please contact our volunteer coordinator volunteer@Akseedsofchange.com for more information.
Visit
We love hosting visitors at Alaska Seeds of Change! We offer opportunities for community members of all ages to learn more about our program and hydroponic growing. You can find us at 704 W. 26th Avenue, off of Arctic Road in Anchorage.
Field Trips
We offer field trips for school-age classes, clubs, or other groups. Our standard field trip experience is 2 hours long; shorter field trips can be arranged for younger groups/upon request.
Tours
We schedule tours for groups of at least 5 people upon request. A donation of $10 per person is suggested to cover staffing costs. Smaller groups or individuals – please contact us and we’ll get you added to the next group tour. Email seeds@akbh.org.
Workshops
Workshops and community events are offered periodically, either by request or as scheduled public events. Please sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook to learn about public events. To request a private workshop, please contact us by e-mail or phone at 907-762-8660.
Contact
Call us!
Reach our staff at (907) 762-8660
Email us!
E-mail seeds@akbh.org to reach our staff!
