STEM careers and programs have gained prominence in recent years as youth are shown opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through robotics, computer programming, and game development.

Public gardens across the United States and Canada are exposing young adults to the outdoors through interesting and innovative programs.

How can public gardens reach out to young people and engage them with careers that include horticulture and plant science, to ensure the future of their workforce and skills succession?

Research studies have found that students enjoy learning environmental science concepts in a hands-on, active, and experiential way, and outdoor components add depth and meaning to their indoor learning activities.

Young children have the right to a say in matters of relevance to them. And, research is showing that they are capable of exercising this right, given developmentally appropriate opportunities.

Contact your elected representatives and let them know how you feel about plants, our web of life, and the ecosystem services we all depend upon:

Earth Day is coming soon. Be prepared to engage visitors, students in higher education, K-12 students, and more! 

Go-to Guide for Creating a New Generation of Changemakers Capable of Transitioning Our World to a Sustainable Future:

The USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) is a coordinated network of 19 genebank locations throughout the United States that perform research to acquire, maintain,

While interest continues to grow for plant-based movements such as farm-to-table, field-to-vase, and school and community gardens, there is a lack of growth in the number of people interested in careers in horticulture.