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An Alliance AmeriCorps Program

Groundwork Fellows

Groundwork Fellows spend a year helping a Minnesota nonprofit or government agency serve young people more effectively.

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2025 Groundwork Fellow Zurielle Basuil.
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2022 VISTA (now Groundwork) Fellows gather to discuss their work supporting youth-serving organizations.
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2024 Groundwork Fellow Sydney Ellison.
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AmeriCorps member Mackenzie Bassett works for youth by tilling the soil.
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AmeriCorps member Andrew Lupton.
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2025 Groundwork Fellow Zurielle Basuil.
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2022 VISTA (now Groundwork) Fellows gather to discuss their work supporting youth-serving organizations.
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2024 Groundwork Fellow Sydney Ellison.
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AmeriCorps member Mackenzie Bassett works for youth by tilling the soil.
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AmeriCorps member Andrew Lupton.

Strengthening Organizations that Serve Youth

Every day, across the state, nonprofits and government agencies are working to build a Minnesota where every young person can thrive — and they need help.

That’s why building capacity at youth-serving organizations is so important for the future of young people in our state. With your help, these organizations can create more effective and powerful solutions for young people facing poverty and educational barriers in our state.

The work will be challenging. But you’ll have the support you need to do it well, all year long — financial assistance, mentorship and leadership training, and the extraordinary community of your fellow Groundwork Fellows and seasoned program alumni.

  • Where You’ll Serve

    Groundwork Fellows serve in nonprofit organizations and government agencies all over Minnesota. Our partner organizations are diverse. But no matter where you serve, you’ll be working shoulder to shoulder with other people who share your commitment to young people.

  • What You’ll Do

    The nature of the work you do will depend on your talents and interests and the needs of the organization you serve.  Overall, Groundwork Fellows work on projects that build capacity of youth serving organizations addressing educational barriers through efforts that engage youth as agents of change.

The Groundwork Fellow Experience

The AmeriCorps Groundwork Fellows program matches talented people who care deeply for youth with the organizations where their skills and passion can make the biggest difference.

Professional Development

How to Grow as a Leader through Service

With a year of service as a Groundwork Fellow, your talents, values, and dedication will make a difference in the lives of Minnesota youth for generations to come — and build your strength as a leader. The Groundwork Fellows program provides ongoing, extensive professional development and training to our AmeriCorps Members. As an AmeriCorps Groundwork Fellow, you will gain behind-the-scenes experience at your host site, learn from mentors and peers, and benefit from a wide range of workshops and trainings led by community members and experts in the Alliance’s statewide network. Your year as a Groundwork Fellow will empower you to develop your professional skills, make a difference for those you serve, and emerge as a leader in Minnesota’s education sector. The AmeriCorps Groundwork Fellow program offers over 200 hours of training and professional development opportunities for members during their service year.

Groundwork Fellows benefit from exceptional support for starting their life after AmeriCorps:

  • Tap into a large and active network of AmeriCorps Alumni and Alliance partners throughout Minnesota who can help you transition to your post-service career.
  • Learn tips and tricks to take your career to the next level through résumé workshops, mock interviews, and more.
  • If Graduate school is in your future, take advantage of matching institutions – universities that match the Segal Education Award.
Groundwork Fellows In Their Own Words

The Rewards of Service

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Mikayla Ferg

AmeriCorps member, Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board

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Samie Burnett

AmeriCorps member, Minnesota Alliance With Youth

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VISTA Matt Bolt

Matt Bolt

AmeriCorps member, Carlton County Restorative Justice Program

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AmeriCorps member Andrew Lupton.

Andrew Lupton

AmeriCorps member, Minnesota Alliance With Youth

Start your Application

Ready to take a bold step into leadership for youth? Apply for the Groundwork Fellows program today.

Start Your Application