Become a Park Ranger.

Protect Your City.

Build Your Future.

Park Rangers Environmental Enrichment Program

For Newark Youth Ages 16–21

How To Apply: 2 – Step Process

1. Click Here to Provide your information

2. Go to the Newark Youth One Stop Career Center and Apply for Summer Employment

Do you care about your neighborhood?

Do you want to make a real difference in your community while learning skills that can lead to jobs and careers?

United Parks As One (UPAO) invites Newark youth ages 16–21 to join the Park Rangers Environmental Enrichment Program (PREEP)—a hands-on leadership and workforce development program focused on parks, the environment, and environmental justice.

What Is PREEP?

PREEP is a youth-driven program that trains the next generation of environmental leaders and park advocates in Newark. As a Park Ranger, you’ll work in and around community parks like Nat Turner Park, Jesse Allen Park, and Mildred Helms Park—the same neighborhoods many of our participants call home.

What You’ll Learn & Do

Protect and improve Newark’s parks

  • Lead and participate in park cleanups

  • Learn to Plant or Prune trees, shrubs, and native plants

  • Help make parks safer, greener, and more welcoming

Fight food insecurity

  • Learn about food deserts and food justice in Newark

  • Work with partners who grow, harvest, and share fresh produce in the city

  • Help turn green spaces into places that support community health

Take action on climate change

  • Learn why Newark has one of the highest heat indexes in New Jersey

  • Help reduce extreme heat by planting or pruning trees and expanding green spaces

  • Understand how parks protect neighborhoods from climate impacts

Learn how Newark manages rainwater

  • Explore how the city’s rainwater and stormwater systems work

  • Learn why rainwater collection is important for flood prevention and clean water

  • See how green infrastructure helps protect the environment

Understand environmental justice

  • Learn how pollution, heat, and lack of green space affect communities

  • Discover how environmental issues connect to race, income, and health

  • Become a voice for change in your neighborhood

Build Skills for the Future

PREEP helps you gain:

  • Leadership and teamwork skills

  • Job readiness and professional experience

  • Community service hours

  • Exposure to careers in the green economy, including environmental work, urban agriculture, sustainability, and climate resilience

Currently this is a summer enrichment program but in the near future there will be opportunities are available year-round.

Why Join PREEP?

✔ Make a real impact in your community

✔ Learn skills that can lead to jobs and careers

✔ Work alongside community leaders and environmental professionals

✔ Be part of something bigger than yourself

✔ Help shape the future of Newark’s parks and neighborhoods

Who Can Apply?

Newark residents

Ages 16–21

Youth who care about their community—or want to learn how

No prior experience needed.

Just bring your energy, curiosity, and commitment.

Ready to Step Up for Newark?

Join the Park Rangers Environmental Enrichment Program and become part of a movement

to create cleaner parks, healthier neighborhoods, and a stronger future for our city.

How To Apply: 2 – Step Process

1. Click Here to Provide your information

2. Go to the Newark Youth One Stop Career Center and Apply for Summer Employment