Provide a Second Chance for Inmates in Transition

Branching Up is an 18-week work-readiness program for participants drawn from the current population of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. It provides participants with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue careers in green and sustainable industries, as well as broader work-readiness skills and a network of resources and strategies to support their transition back to their communities in Philadelphia.

Participants spend 12 weeks learning on-site at the prison’s 200-tree orchard, greenhouses and outdoor classrooms, where they receive hands-on training in skills relating to landscaping, horticulture, organic agriculture and urban farming. They also attend classes on workplace readiness, resume writing, interview practice, relationship skills and nutrition. Students then enter six-week paid internships, either at Temple University or with our partner, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, where they put their new training and skills into practice. Upon completion of the program, participants are awarded Temple University’s Vocational Certificate in Urban Greening and Sustainable Landcare.

We’re asking for your help to provide our participants with the resources and equipment they need to succeed in their internships and become fully work-ready. Your support of the Branching Up program will allow us to provide our six Temple interns with work supplies such as uniforms, transport passes and case management services.

Ready to give? Head on over to OwlCrowd to help us out.