Internship
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) is a internship run by Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Brooklyn, NY. Open to: grades 9 to 11.
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 11
- Status
- Accepting applications
- Season
- Year-round
- Cost
- Free
About the program
A tiered nine-month apprenticeship at Brooklyn Botanic Garden where teens learn urban agriculture and teach younger children.
Apprentices grow food in the Children's Garden, teach children about gardening and nature, and lead education stations for visitors.
Key facts
- Run by
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Where
- Brooklyn, NY
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 11Students in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade (tier depends on grade); 12th graders cannot apply as new participants
- Commitment
- March to November; 4-6 hours weekly in spring and fall, 20-25 hours weekly in summer (about 190-220 hours)
- Applications
- Applications submitted before December 4, 2026 qualify for interviews (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)Deadline: December 4, 2026
- Cost
- Free; $600-$800 reimbursement for Tiers 1-3
- To apply
- Application with references
- Group interview
- Three Saturday trainings in March
- Good fit for
- Biology and Environmental Science, Education
Making the most of it on a college application
- Stay long enough to take on more responsibility, such as a second year or training new volunteers.
- Keep a log of hours and a few specific moments. They become the activities list entry and, often, an essay.
- Pair it with something that shows the same interest from another side, such as a class, a competition, or a summer program.
Email me the Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) details
A link to this page, with the age rule and application window, plus similar programs.
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| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Botanical Garden Explainer ProgramVolunteering · Parks and environment | Bronx, NY | Not posted | Four training days plus a 4.5-hour shift every Saturday or Sunday, March 20 through June 19, 2027; minimum 125 hours | November 14, 2026 |
| Prospect Park Alliance Park Youth RepresentativesInternship · Parks and environment | Brooklyn, NY | Not posted | Not posted | 2026 applications closed; check back in early 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Prospect Park Alliance Woodlands Youth CrewInternship · Parks and environment | Brooklyn, NY | Not posted | Not posted | 2026 applications closed; check back in early 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Wave Hill Forest ProjectInternship · Parks and environment | Bronx, NY | 16 and up | Full summer program | 2026 applications closed; check back next winter for 2027; separate SYEP application required (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| ASPCA Adoption Center Youth Volunteers (ages 16-17)Volunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | New York, NY | Ages 16 to 17 | Not posted | Not posted |
| Bideawee Summer Teen GroupVolunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | Westhampton, NY | Ages 13 to 17 | Select Fridays in summer for a couple of hours | Summer |
All parks and environment programs in New York CityBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEducation opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)?
Grades 9 to 11. Students in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade (tier depends on grade); 12th graders cannot apply as new participants
How many hours does Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) require?
March to November; 4-6 hours weekly in spring and fall, 20-25 hours weekly in summer (about 190-220 hours)
When does Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) take applications?
Applications submitted before December 4, 2026 qualify for interviews (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) Deadline: December 4, 2026.
What do you need to apply?
Application with references, Group interview, Three Saturday trainings in March.
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/brooklyn-botanic-garden-garden-apprentice-program.
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