About the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies (CES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people discover their potential through entrepreneurship, creativity, and hands-on work experience. Through our makerspace, youth-run retail store, leadership programming, and community projects, CES provides real-world opportunities for youth to design products, develop business ideas, and gain practical experience in entrepreneurship.
CES believes young people should not have to wait until adulthood to begin learning how to create value, serve their communities, and pursue meaningful work. As CES expands its work into agriculture and land-based programming, the garden serves as a foundational space for building practical skills, responsibility, and connection to community.
Volunteer Role Overview
CES is seeking Garden Volunteers to support the setup, planting, and maintenance of raised garden beds and in-ground growing areas at the Whittier Road site. Volunteers assist with hands-on outdoor work that helps create a productive and well-maintained garden environment.
This opportunity is offered in partnership with 4ATD, and applicants should apply through 4ATD first at https://a4td.org/. Participants will work through this program.
Volunteer shifts are flexible and may vary based on seasonal needs, weather, and planting schedules.
Ways Volunteers Support the Garden
Garden Setup & Planting
Prepare and maintain six raised garden beds (4×12) and surrounding ground plots
Assist with planting vegetables, flowers, and seasonal crops
Support installation and use of trellising systems, including cattle panel hoops
Garden Maintenance
Water, weed, and monitor plant health
Identify basic issues such as pests, overcrowding, or poor growth
Assist with soil preparation, composting, and general upkeep
Harvesting & Upkeep
Harvest crops as they mature
Support replanting and seasonal transitions
Help maintain a clean, organized, and functional outdoor space
Skills and Qualities
CES welcomes volunteers who bring a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute to a hands-on environment.
Helpful qualities include:
Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
Reliability and ability to work independently
Strong work ethic and attention to detail
Ability to follow direction and complete tasks
Positive and respectful attitude
Prior gardening or landscaping experience is helpful but not required.
Time Commitment
Volunteer scheduling is flexible and based on seasonal garden needs.
Typical shifts may range from 2–4 hours.
Consistency is encouraged to support plant care and overall garden success.
Why Volunteer with CES
Volunteers play an important role in helping CES build meaningful, hands-on environments that support learning, productivity, and community engagement.
By volunteering, you help:
Support the development of a productive garden space
Contribute to a growing community initiative
Be part of a mission-driven organization creating real opportunities
Engage in meaningful, hands-on work outdoors
Location
The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies (Agriculture, & Future Campus Site)
157–165 Whittier Rd.
Farmington, ME 04938
Location(s)
The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies (Retail Store and Current Makerspace)
156 Main Street
Farmington, ME 04938
The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies (Agriculture, & Future Campus Site)
157–165 Whittier Rd.
Farmington, ME 04938
The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies (Future Community Housing Site)
Temple Rd.
Farmington, ME 04938
To Express Interest
Applicants should first apply through 4ATD at https://a4td.org/.
For additional questions, please contact:
Bonita Tompkins — bonitatompkins@cesmaine.org
Christina Bobrow — christinabobrow@cesmaine.org