Enrollment information for Newark Youth Ages 16–21
The Park Rangers Environmental Enrichment Program, or PREEP, is a hands-on leadership and workforce development program for Newark youth ages 16–21. Through work in local parks, participants build job skills, explore environmental justice, and support their communities. As a result, they gain real experience while helping care for Newark’s shared green spaces.
PREEP helps train the next generation of environmental leaders and park advocates in Newark. Through the program, participants work in and around community parks while learning how local action can create lasting change. In addition, they gain a deeper understanding of how parks support health, connection, and neighborhood pride.
Park Rangers may work in and around parks such as Nat Turner Park, Jesse Allen Park, and Mildred Helms Park. Because many participants already know these neighborhoods, the work feels personal and meaningful.
PREEP gives Newark youth the chance to build practical experience while helping improve the city’s parks and neighborhoods. Participants help protect and improve local parks through cleanups, planting, pruning, and projects that make green spaces safer, greener, and more welcoming.
Another part of the program focuses on climate change and environmental conditions in Newark. Participants learn why extreme heat and limited green space affect neighborhoods, how trees and green infrastructure help reduce climate impacts, and why rainwater and stormwater systems matter for flood prevention and clean water.
Park Rangers also learn about food insecurity and food justice in Newark. They explore how green spaces can support community health and work alongside partners who grow, harvest, and share fresh produce in the city.
PREEP also introduces environmental justice by helping participants understand how pollution, heat, and lack of green space can affect communities differently. Youth explore how these issues connect to race, income, and health, and they are encouraged to become voices for change in their neighborhoods.
PREEP helps participants strengthen leadership and teamwork, build job readiness and professional experience, earn community service hours, and gain exposure to careers connected to the green economy. This includes environmental work, urban agriculture, sustainability, and climate resilience.
UPAO currently offers PREEP as a summer enrichment program, with plans for additional year-round opportunities in the future.
PREEP gives Newark youth the chance to make a real impact in their community while learning skills that can lead to jobs and careers. Participants work alongside community leaders and environmental professionals, become part of something bigger than themselves, and help shape the future of Newark’s parks and neighborhoods.
This opportunity is open to Newark residents ages 16–21. No prior experience is needed. PREEP is a good fit for youth who already care about their community and for those who want to learn how to get involved. Participants should come ready with energy, curiosity, and commitment.
Applying to PREEP is a two-step process.
Step 1: Provide your information through the United Parks As One interest form.
Step 2: Apply for summer employment through the Newark Youth One Stop Career Center.
Join the Park Rangers Environmental Enrichment Program and be part of the work to create cleaner parks, healthier neighborhoods, and a stronger future for Newark.
