1. What will be the format of the 2024 core training?

The URIMGP Core Training is held once per year in the Spring semester (January – April). The format is TBD.

Live, interactive webinars will give students ample opportunity to ask questions of instructors, engaging with a range of URI faculty and staff subject matter experts.  Students will have the chance to interact remotely in small groups, learning together and connecting to garden service projects that benefit the community. Pre-recorded lectures and assignments will be completed by students on their own schedule throughout the week, offering the flexibility so often needed by adult learners.  Homework assignments check for understanding and allow further application of the course material.

*Plenty of in-person learning will be available as you continue your career! The volunteer internship portion gives you in-person, hands-on experience gardening or sharing resources and knowledge in the community. In-person regional meet and greet sessions introduce you to the various service projects. In addition, once you join the URIMGP, you’ll have access to a wide variety of continuing education classes including field experiences in gardens and on farms, online classes, and classroom-based lectures located statewide at various times to accommodate all schedules. 

2. When and where is the course held?

The 2024 Core Training will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. from January -April 2024.  If you are unable to attend all sessions, there will be the opportunity to catch up on your own time.

3. When are applications due?

URIMGP Core Training applications are due by November 1 and application process opens in July.  No exceptions for late applications.

4. How much does it cost to register for the core training course?

The 2024 URIMGP Core Training costs $500 to register and includes all sessions and access to a course website where readings, class recordings, and other electronic resources are found.  See below for information regarding URIMGP Core Training Financial Awards to assist with the cost of the program.

5. Is financial assistance available for the course fee?

Yes. A limited number of financial awards are available to those who complete the application process and are accepted into the Core Training. Eligibility is based on financial need and for individuals from racially underrepresented populations. Award applications will be made available at the same time as course applications.  Those who receive awards pay a significantly reduced course fee to participate.

6. What should I expect from the URIMGP core training course?

The Core Training course will provide the fundamental knowledge that students need in order to understand and promote sustainable gardening practices as URI Master Gardener volunteers in the community. Throughout the course, the science behind best practices in the garden is shared in lecture format with short take-home quizzes and a project to check for understanding.  Live webinars give students the opportunity to ask questions of the instructor as well as put some of the information into practice via small group activities.

While there is a lot to learn over the 14 weeks, our team is here to ensure that students have everything they need to succeed.   Each student is assigned a mentor to help them navigate the course and find meaningful volunteer opportunities.  Students are invited to attend a pre-course orientation session (webinar) in January.  The teaching assistant team is available to answer questions and provide extra help and accommodations as needed.  When you succeed – we succeed!

The course material is reinforced via hands-on experience working alongside seasoned URI Master Gardener volunteers on service projects during the volunteer internship. In addition, certified URI Master Gardeners have access to a wide range of continuing education classes and field experiences to supplement information presented during the Core Training.

It is important to note that the Core Training course does not cover all topics, especially gardening basics like “Growing Tomatoes” and “How to Grow Food in Containers”. Individuals interested in these practical and narrow in scope topics can look forward to exploring these topics after completing the Core Training course. Individuals may also explore the free recordings from the URI Cooperative Extension webinar series. In short, becoming a certified URI Master Gardener volunteer is a journey, and the Core Training course is the first step!

7. Are there educational opportunities for individuals who don’t wish to be certified as a uri master gardener or do not wish to volunteer?

A second track is available for individuals seeking to further their knowledge of environmentally-sound gardening who are not interested in volunteering or achieving certification as an “Extension Master Gardener”.   There are limited spaces in the Home Horticulture Certificate program (learn more here).

*Financial awards available upon acceptance.

8. How long should my URIMGP Core Training course application answers be?

We are trying to get to know you through your application! Please be descriptive in your responses; bear in mind that the application process is competitive, and we would like to gain insight into your unique goals and interests. Please write enough to effectively and concisely express yourself, and fill in answers to ALL questions.

9. When will I hear back about my application?

You will receive a confirmation email stating that your application was successfully received and processed within a week of your submission. After you receive your submission confirmation and if you are accepted, you will receive email notification by December 1 after all applications have been reviewed. If you do not hear from us by then, contact us at coopext@uri.edu.

10. What does the volunteer internship entail?

Individuals earn the title of certified URI Extension Master Gardener upon successful completion of the Core Training course and 50 volunteer hours on an approved project(s). Graduates of the course have 2 years at least to complete the internship which allows for hands-on application of course material, mentorship from fellow Master Gardener volunteers, and an opportunity to have an impact in the community.  In order to remain certified as a URI Extension Master Gardener, a volunteer and continuing education requirement must be fulfilled each year.