The Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)

Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) is a teen apprenticeship in urban agriculture and environmental education for high school students in grades 9 through 11. Apprentices work at the Garden in Brooklyn and move up through a four-tier structure over multiple years. Tier 1 apprentices help lead children's programs, Tier 2 apprentices teach visitors about botany, and Tier 3 apprentices design mobile educational exhibits. The 2027 program runs from March through November 2027, with a one-day orientation in February. Over the nine months, apprentices spend about 190 to 220 hours at the Garden, averaging 4 to 6 hours a week in spring and fall and 20 to 25 hours a week in summer. There is no fee to participate. Tiers 1 to 3 receive a one-time reimbursement of $600, $700, or $800 at the end of the program, plus $75 for perfect attendance, and Tier 4 apprentices earn $17 per hour as part-time staff.

Open to students currently in grades 9 through 11. New applicants can enter at Tier 1 (9th grade), Tier 2 (10th grade), or Tier 3 (11th grade), while Tier 4 is reserved for students who have finished Tier 3; current 12th graders cannot apply as new apprentices. Apprentices must commit to the full nine-month March through November program. To apply, students complete an online application, submit references, and attend a group interview. Applicants who submit materials before December 4, 2026 are invited to interview.