The Walpolean

Don’t miss your chance to participate in our Hooper Earth Day 5k! Registration closes April 10.

April 18, 2026 – 9am race start 
Join us for a run, community 5K run/walk in celebration of Earth Day to support our programs! This is a community-focused event, perfect for runners, walkers, families, and first-timers alike. We’ll have prizes for our top finishers and t-shirts for the first 50 people who register. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. Register HERE.

Applications are open for our HS Summer Work Program! Gain experience on a farm, as a camp counselor or in the gardens and get paid for your learning! Students must be 14 years old to apply. For questions or further information please contact George Gowdy at hooper.educator@gmail.com. Applications are due April 17th. 

Applications can be found here: https://www.hooperinstitute.org/high-school-work-program.html

Check out our Hooper Wishlist! Donations to our wishlist help stock our building and classroom with materials needed to run future programs including cooking classes, building rentals, camps, school programs, adult workshops, and more. The wishlist can also be found here on our website: https://www.hooperinstitute.org/support-our-mission.html

The Hooper Institute is looking for local businesses interested in mentoring and employing a summer worker in the coming months. This would need to be an opportunity that aligns with the Institute’s subject areas of agriculture, forestry, botany, soil science, and environmental science. The Institute is committed to educating Walpoleans of all ages and supporting our community. The Hooper Institute’s summer work program was created to build bridges between our youth and local businesses. This is a young student’s first chance to begin exploring their interests in future careers and a chance to mentor the future of our community.

We are looking for a variety of businesses in Walpole to assist in mentoring a student worker. Previous placements have included farms, vineyards, and landscaping. The Hooper Institute is open to hearing further suggestions and offers that align with our subject areas and values. As an employer you will serve foremost as a patient teacher and mentor. This is a student’s first professional experience building habits and skills such as communication, time management, and work ethic. 

Staff at the Hooper Institute will encourage students entering 9th grade and onwards to apply. Our team will require these students to submit an application and complete an interview, as a means of experiential learning. Our goal is to immerse students in their first professional atmosphere for further development.  

Students will be paid through the Hooper Institute’s available funds. These workers must follow local and federal labor laws. Supervision and safety are essential considerations for all job placements. If you are interested please contact us at hooper.educator@gmail.com or 603-756-4382.