GROW Careers
Thank you for your interest in the GROW Careers Program. Both host and intern applications for 2026 have closed. If you would like information for next summer's program, send us a note at grow@trellis4tomorrow.orgGROW Careers
The GROW Careers Program has paired over two dozen interns with mission-driven organizations since its inception in 2019. Trellis matches young people aged 18*-26 with regional nonprofits and social impact businesses to provide meaningful, paid work experiences. These experiences range from 60 to 120 working hours and include one on one and group mentoring and professional development. Placements are primarily in Montgomery and Chester Counties, Pennsylvania (Lenapehoking), with limited hybrid-remote options.
- For more information, contact grow@trellis4tomorrow.org.
Program Details
GROW offers paid internships with a host site that is connected to the food system. These internships encourage career exploration and skill-building while getting hands on experience and building new connections.
- Must be between ages 18-26 to apply
- Internships range from 60-120 hours
- Internships take place between June-August
- Applications open in March
If offered a position, the intern has the final decision on their placement. Start and end dates are determined based on the needs and availability of both the intern and the host.
Note: Applying does not guarantee placement for hosts or interns
Matching Young Talent to Local Needs
The matching process is designed to determine if both the intern and the host will be a good fit with the other.
Both young applicants and potential host organizations fill out an application and undergo an interview process with Trellis staff.
The intern applicant will interview with between 2-3 potential host organizations, which can range from phone/Zoom interviews to a brief day of shadowing or volunteering for both parties to get to know the other.
Ultimately, the youth applicant chooses their final placement.
Ongoing Mentorship and Support
- Those who are looking to lay their career foundation
- Those who want to build the next step on their career ladder
From creating a LinkedIn profile to building a portfolio, we meet interns where they are in their career journey. Staff meet regularly with both the intern and host to ensure smooth and mutually beneficial experiences.
After the intern successfully completes the GROW Careers Program, they are invited to celebrate at the annual Networking Mixer and are invited to the Trellis for Tomorrow alumni group, a space where we continue to share resources and opportunities.
Past Interns & Youth Projects
- Building a web-based chat bot
- Compiling a three-county resource guide of social services and community support groups
- Community engagement at farmers’ markets and community events
- Grant-writing and research
- Organizing a 5k fundraiser
- Agricultural training at nearby farms and arboretums
Interested in Hosting?
GROW Careers Program hosts receive assistance from a young person with fresh ideas and perspectives, while being supported by Trellis on matching, evaluation and sponsorship. Host applications have closed for the 2026 season, but if you are interested in being a host in the future, contact grow@trellis4tomorrow.org for more information.
Host requirements:
- Connection to food system either through growing food, distributing food, writing food policy, or addressing food insecurity in some way
- Must have 2+ employees
- Site cannot be solely within a personal residence
- 10-mile radius, approximately, of Phoenixville or Pottstown, unless fully remote
Currently, we are not focused on recruiting for summer camp counselor positions.
Where the Placements Happen
Since the inception of this program in 2020, we have connected GROW interns with the following organizations:
Check out what our participants and hosts
have to say about their experiences!
“I definitely feel more confident going to college and knowing I’ll be able to use what I learned in the future for networking and internships & jobs. Additionally, I felt supported and comfortable throughout the entire internship process from the very start – even before being matched”
“I appreciated having a resource that helped me better myself in the professional sense, with advice and mentors I can turn to with questions… I enjoyed getting to meet other individuals around my age and in similar situations to me. It made me feel less anxious about my future. I think most of the benefit I received from the program that I received is general advice about how to conduct myself in the professional setting.”
“Outstanding experience with Trellis. Bob was a great partner…Loved and appreciated this opportunity, and I look forward to a shared, cooperative future!”
“Abbey fit right in and now is a member of this year’s student leadership team, working with 16 other high school students from 4 schools. The placement was perfect! Thank you.”
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