AmeriCorps Wellness Educator: Garden & Youth Health

Are you ready to spend a meaningful year making a real difference in the lives of children across the Richmond region? Fit4

Kids is looking for passionate, community-minded individuals to join our Ameri Corps team. This immersive service opportunity – a full year of hands‑on learning, connection, and impact.

As a Wellness Educator, you will play a vital role in supporting the health and well‑being of elementary school students across the Richmond region. Members facilitate engaging, hands‑on gardening lessons during the school day and in after‑school settings, helping students build connections to food, nature, and healthy habits. You will also support physical activity programming—such as active recess and structured wellness sessions—and lead nutrition education activities that promote lifelong healthy choices.

Fit4

Kids has a variety of Ameri Corps Volunteer positions for September 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027 working between 25 to 35 hours per week. The "living allowance" is roughly $13.75 per hour plus a retention bonus of up to $1,000 at the end of service and an educational award ranging from $3,600 to $5,176 (based on number of hours served) to be used for future education or student loan payment.

This is a dynamic, community‑based role for individuals who are excited to work directly with youth, be active throughout the day, and contribute to creating healthier school environments.

• Lead hands‑on garden education lessons and nutrition activities at partner schools and community sites
• Support active recess, after‑school wellness sessions, and community engagement events
• Conduct cooking demos, taste tests, and family nutrition education activities
• Maintain and care for school gardens (weeding, watering, planting, mulching)
• Track attendance and collect program evaluation data
• Accurately log service hours using the Ameri Corps OnCorps timekeeping portal
• Volunteer on National Service Days (September 11 and January 19)

• Must be 18 years or older at the start of service
• High school diploma or GED required (or commitment to obtaining one during service)
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
• Must pass a National Service Criminal History Check, including FBI fingerprint check, state criminal background check, and National Sex Offender Public Registry (NJSOPW) check
• TB screening required for members serving at Henrico sites
• Reliable transportation to visit multiple school sites across Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hopewell, and Petersburg
• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods; physically able to perform gardening and recess facilitation
• Passionate about working with children, promoting physical activity, and encouraging healthy eating
• Strong communication skills and a great attitude; proficient with (or eager to learn) Google Drive and email

$4,125 – $16,500 / year

• Student loan forbearance during service
• Professional development training in youth development, leadership, and community engagement
• Hands‑on experience in education, public health, and nonprofit work
• Participation in highly regarded national service program
• Living allowance plus educational award

Job Classification:
Programming