The Chicago Botanic Garden's efforts to save the world's plants begin with learning. With knowledge, we are able to take action and make changes that support healthy ecosystems. Critical to future success is training the next generation of conservationists. From accredited graduate and undergraduate degree programs to internships, workshops, and seminars, the Garden is providing exceptional training for future conservation leaders. Our education and training programs constitute a pathway or continuum from middle school to high school to undergraduate education to graduate training and internships.
See below for additional information on how to apply for these education programs and opportunities.
About SCC: College First
College First is a dynamic, 7-week paid internship program for rising 11th and 12th graders from eligible Chicago Public High Schools, consisting of career mentorship, field ecology and conservation science, and college prep and assistance.
Each summer, approximately 20 students from Chicago Public Schools travel to Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL by school bus from designated stops to spend time in the Garden's beautiful setting. Students spend half of each day in group instruction, using the resources of the Garden, to learn about nature and science. The other half of the day is spent working one-on-one with a staff member to learn more about specific career areas at the Garden as well as to gain job skills and learn workplace etiquette. College First participants explore a vast array of potential science careers and use the Garden's 385 acres and resources to learn about native ecosystems and plants. During the summer, as well as at monthly meetings over the school year, emphasis is also placed on college as a pathway to careers and guidance is given to the students, who are often the first in their families to attend college.
Learn more about the program and other educational opportunities here: Education and Training | Chicago Botanic Garden
Using Submittable for Applications
- You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit to these forms.
- You can save a draft of your work in Submittable if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.
- If anything changes with the information you submitted, please request to edit the submission
- Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser.
- Chicago Botanic Garden staff will follow-up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable (add notifications@email.submittable.com, submittablenotifications@chicagobotanic.org, and the Domain @email.submittable.com to your Safe Senders list) so you do not miss any updates from us.
- Make sure to check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.
Technical Questions? Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.
About SCC: Science First I
Embark on a 3-week adventure! Science First I is a fantastic learning opportunity for rising 7th and 8th graders to explore the Chicago Botanic Garden's 385 acres of plants and nature while making new friends who share their passion for science.
Each summer, approximately 40 students from Chicago Public Schools travel to Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL by school bus from designated stops to spend time in the Garden's beautiful setting. While exploring the Garden's natural habitats, students learn about botany and ecology and use the scientific method to answer real-world science problems. Daily activities, directed by a team of science teachers, include hands-on science lessons in the field. Students learn about the Garden's river, prairie, and woodland habitats, touching on topics as varied as genetics, soil ecology, and food webs.
Learn more about the program and other educational opportunities here: Education and Training | Chicago Botanic Garden
Using Submittable for Applications
- You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit to these forms.
- You can save a draft of your work in Submittable if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.
- If anything changes with the information you submitted, please request to edit the submission
- Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser.
- Chicago Botanic Garden staff will follow-up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable (add notifications@email.submittable.com, submittablenotifications@chicagobotanic.org, and the Domain @email.submittable.com to your Safe Senders list) so you do not miss any updates from us.
- Make sure to check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.
Technical Questions? Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.
About SCC: Science First II
Dive into four weeks of scientific fun! Science First II is a fantastic opportunity for rising 9th and 10th graders to explore the 385 acres of the Chicago Botanic Garden, make new friends who share their passion for science, and discover the wonders of nature.
Each summer, approximately 40 students from Chicago Public Schools travel to Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL by school bus from designated stops to spend time in the Garden's beautiful setting. While exploring the Garden's natural habitats, students learn about botany and ecology and use the scientific method to answer real-world science problems. Daily activities, directed by a team of science teachers, include hands-on science lessons in the field. Students learn about the Garden's river, prairie, and woodland habitats, touching on topics as varied as genetics, soil ecology, and food webs.
Learn more about the program and other educational opportunities here: Education and Training | Chicago Botanic Garden
Using Submittable for Applications
- You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit to these forms.
- You can save a draft of your work in Submittable if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.
- If anything changes with the information you submitted, please request to edit the submission
- Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser.
- Chicago Botanic Garden staff will follow-up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable (add notifications@email.submittable.com, submittablenotifications@chicagobotanic.org, and the Domain @email.submittable.com to your Safe Senders list) so you do not miss any updates from us.
- Make sure to check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.