Category Archives

Youth Tree Team

This Summer, Indianapolis Youth Can Earn, Learn, and Grow in Green Careers

Posted by: Jeremy Kranowitz
Posted: February 26, 2026
Categories: News & Features, Urban Naturalists, Youth Tree Team

Every summer, something powerful happens across Indianapolis. Teens and college students step into parks, neighborhoods, medians, and waterways, not just as volunteers, but as paid professionals helping our city thrive. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), in partnership with the City of Indianapolis, is now hiring for our 2026 summer workforce programs. These paid positions give young […]

Inside the Lives of Indy’s Future Changemakers

Posted by: Audrey Brinkers
Posted: May 23, 2025
Categories: Education, Engaged Citizens, Volunteers, Youth Tree Team

Meet the 2025 Youth Tree Team This incredible group of young leaders is planting more than just trees this summer; they’re planting seeds of connection, leadership, and impact across Indy. Each of these team leaders brings something special to the field: whether it’s a strong work ethic, a unique sense of humor, or a love […]

Planting Seeds for a Career in Leadership

Posted by: Jeremy Kranowitz
Posted: March 7, 2025
Categories: Engaged Citizens, News & Features, Volunteers, Youth Tree Team

For Jillian Lain, her career in community engagement and leadership began with a shovel in hand and a passion for making a difference. As a Youth Tree Team (YTT) leader in 2007, Jillian didn’t know then that her summer job with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) would shape the way she approached her professional journey, leadership […]

Five Powerful Ways High School Students Can Make a Difference

Posted by: Jeremy Kranowitz
Posted: July 8, 2024
Categories: Adopt-A-Block, Education, Engaged Citizens, Great Indy Cleanup, Uncategorized, Volunteers, Youth Tree Team

Volunteering plays a vital role in building a strong, vibrant community. When we give our time and effort to help others, we not only improve the lives of those around us, but also enrich our own lives. At Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), we believe in the power of community and the difference each person can […]

Rooted in Passion: How YTT Shaped Cullen’s Career Path

Posted by: Jeremy Kranowitz
Posted: February 1, 2024
Categories: Community Forestry, Education, Engaged Citizens, Habitat Restoration, Trees and Native Habitats, Youth Tree Team

Meet Cullen Booth! A force of green goodness, Cullen embarked on his journey with the Youth Tree Team (YTT) back in 2014. From pruning crew to leader, Cullen’s YTT adventure molded him into the environmental champion he is today. Now living in Indianapolis with his partner, Cullen rocks his role as a Natural Resources Technician, […]

Branching Out: From YTT Leader to Environmental Trailblazer

Posted by: Jeremy Kranowitz
Posted: January 23, 2024
Categories: Community Forestry, Engaged Citizens, Habitat Restoration, Trees and Native Habitats, Uncategorized, Youth Tree Team

Meet Ann Young, a passionate Indy resident with a unique blend of interests in conservation biology, ecology, and art history. Originally from Texas, Ann moved to Indiana almost three years ago. Her biology degree was one of the many things that made her interested in applying for the Youth Tree Team (YTT) program. From gaining […]