Internship and beyond

So...... what happens after we complete the 12 weeks of classes and the final exam?
Well, we're not certified Master Gardeners...... we're Master Gardener Interns and transition to the next phase of the program.  In a nutshell, here's what we'll have to do:

• FIELD WORK:   90 hours total.  45 hours are to be done this year, with the remaining next year, during which we must complete:
• Minimum of 5 clinics (these are QandA booths, located at places where gardeners tend to hang out..... garden centers, nurseries, farmer's markets etc).
• Minimum of 4 garden shifts (can go to any or all of the following: MG-sanctioned demo garden, youth garden, outreach garden or teaching kit (more about this one later)).
• 5 clinics and 4 garden shifts will get us to around 36 hours, so the remainder of our hours can be made up doing any of the following:
• More of the above (clinics and/or garden shifts).
• Phone clinic
• MG-approved special events
• Serve on the foundation board
• Help out in the office
• Become a speaker and give presentations
• CONTINUING EDUCATION:  Before the end of next year we must complete and additional 10 hours of continuing education. This can be done in a number of ways:
• MG events: workshops, annual conference, sponsored classes.
• Docent-led tours of Northwest gardens.
• Accredited horticultural education.
• Pesticide certifications.
• Self study (online modules/quizzes)
• Approved research projects
• Anything listed in the "news you can use" emails sent to all MGers/students.

It's a hefty time commitment for the first year but eases up somewhat in the second.  I do know of a few classmates who work full time AND have children and they seem to be handling it, so with a little planning, organization and keeping up with assignments, it's definitely something the younger generation can take on.

Once we've done all the field work and CE stuff we'll become certified Master Gardeners. To stay certified we'll have to commit to doing 25 hours/yr of field work, plus 10 hours/yr of continuing ed.  Submit quarterly timesheets, re-register to confirm we're still wanting to participate and voila.... we stay certified.

So....... got any questions about the program?   Have I been able to give you a good feel for what it's like so far?  Throw me a Q if you need to.......