The Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville is looking for enthusiastic and driven high school students, 16 years and older, interested in science, education, and/or plant careers. Students will work alongside expert Garden staff to cultivate, conserve, and teach others about our plant collections in Gainesville. Garden Teens will play a variety of roles at the Gainesville Garden. They will attend workshops, work alongside staff, and will complete a final portfolio on Horticulture or Conservation. Volunteer experience may be used to meet community service requirements for scholarships and clubs.
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Program length
- 11-week program for September to November—one day a week, including one Saturday a month.
Deadlines
- Applications due August 17, 2026
- Interviews scheduled between August 20-24, 2026
- Selections made August 25, 2026
Program Information:
- As a teen volunteer, you are required to volunteer one Saturday per month. This is a scheduled Saturday that teens will know about in advance. If you cannot come in on your Saturday, you must call the teen coordinator. Teens may not trade/swap Saturdays.
- Teens are allowed 2 absences. On the 3rd absence, you will be dismissed from the program.
- Students will have the opportunity to work in a formal garden setting, practice conservation science, and assist with public programming.
- Once accepted into the program, teen volunteers are eligible to continue to volunteer at the Gainesville location indefinitely.
- Teens will help staff by assisting with educational programming, conservation work, greenhouse maintenance, and more throughout the garden.
- Teens will complete a final portfolio focused on horticulture or conservation.
Requirements:
- Able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions and inclement weather.
- Able to lift 40 lbs and carry out physically demanding tasks.
- Must be 16 years or older by September 1, 2026, and a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in Gainesville area.
- Must submit a completed application no later than August 17, 2026.
- Must have a non-relative adult (e.g. teacher, mentor, boss) submit a recommendation form on applicant’s behalf, no later than August 17, 2026.
- Willing to follow policies and procedures of the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
- Able to receive and interpret instructions and directions.
For questions regarding internships, please email lgarrett@atlantabg.org.