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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 26, 2009
CONTACT
Leeann Lavin: 718-623-7289, leeannlavin@bbg.org
Kate Blumm: 718-623-7241, kateblumm@bbg.org
Teens Go Green! BBG’s Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) is Recruiting Next Class of Botanical Enthusiasts!
Applications Available Now for High School Students. Deadline is March 31st.
View a first-hand look from a GAP student on YouTube!
GAP students engage in a variety of exciting activities, including educating younger Children's Garden participants (left); and helping to harvest veggies (right)! Photos courtesy BBG.
BROOKLYN, NY—MARCH 26, 2009—Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) is calling all high school students yearning to spend time with nature, meet new friends and learn about urban agriculture and the environment, while working in one of the most exciting children's gardens in the world! GAP is a dynamic educational program for students in grades 8–12 focusing on gardening, environmental issues, science, leadership, and career skills, while providing exceptional opportunities for personal growth and career development within an urban public garden.
The aptly named GAP spans the critical, often overlooked age group between pre-teen programming and college-level study, providing a much-needed opportunity for high school students to engage in a challenging and exciting plant-based learning experience. Community response to this unique offering has been extraordinary, as students from all over the city have filled the program to near capacity over the five years since its inception. GAP has expanded and developed in response to its students and their families.
The four-tiered program is demanding and fun, physical and intellectual, exploratory and eye-opening. Apprentices work their way up three tiers, eventually earning a paid Senior Apprentice position. GAP student Zachary Lennon-Simon was inspired by his multi-year experience to create a short film about the power of the program to educate its students, who then in turn educate BBG visitors and younger kids in Children’s Garden programs. Zach shows how GAP not only cultivates the individual interests and skills of its teenage participants, but creates powerful friendships that grow year after year. According to Zach, "I have been in GAP since it began and think it is one of the greatest programs for teenagers who want to learn about something they don't really have access to in the city: a garden. I made this documentary to try and express my love for this magnificent program. I hope it helps you understand, just a little, how awesome this program is and how it helps so many different teenagers.”
For more information on GAP or to receive a 2009 application: visit http://www.bbg.org/edu/internships/gap.html, email gap@bbg.org, or clearly leave your contact information in a voicemail at 718-623-7252.