For Natalie Ross, a Greenhouse Production intern for the City of Fort Collins, the path to her dream job in a botanic garden greenhouse became clearer with each seedling she transplanted. On a cloudy day in late April, Natalie was transplanting lettuce varieties into sixpack flats, readying them for the annual seedling sale at the Gardens on Spring Creek.
Natalie has been a greenhouse intern at the gardens as she works towards her horticulture degree at Colorado State University, gaining the vital hands-on experience that textbooks can’t provide. In the future, she hopes to work in a botanic garden greenhouse, but for now funding from the Ag Workforce Development Program (AWDP) is helping Natalie get hands-on experience in a greenhouse.
Her story exemplifies the program's mission: to cultivate the next generation of agricultural professionals by bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
The AWDP offers crucial financial incentives to Colorado farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses, helping them to hire interns who in turn receive practical training essential for a career in agriculture.
Businesses can apply for up to three internships annually, receiving reimbursement for up to 50% of the actual employment cost, with a maximum of $5,000 per intern. This support not only aids businesses in their training efforts but also ensures interns, like Natalie, gain at least 130 hours of invaluable on-the-job training and practical work experience.
For Natalie, a born and raised Coloradan, the internship gave her interesting, fulfilling work which has direct relevance to her horticulture degree. For instance, she helped contribute to a CSU grad student's hops research project by collecting data—a practical application of her studies that deepened her understanding of both data and agriculture.
This kind of direct engagement with agricultural processes is fundamental to developing a skilled workforce. Natalie also voiced her admiration for her supervisor, Kelly, the production manager, seeing her as a role model and aspiring to a similar role one day. Kelly, with 13 years of dedication to the garden, exemplifies the strong work ethic and expertise that interns absorb through close mentorship.
The Gardens on Spring Creek received funding to host two interns during the summer of 2025. With more than 400 volunteers assisting in various areas, including the butterfly pavilion, greenhouse, horticulture, and food donation efforts, the Gardens on Spring Creek is a testament to collaborative agricultural endeavors.
This commitment to continuous learning and professional development through programs like the AWDP is vital for the sustained growth and innovation within Colorado's agricultural sector.
The application period for AWDP is coming up, with applications reopening on October 1, 2025. Anyone interested in applying can find more information on the AWDP website.
By fostering practical learning experiences and supporting aspiring agriculturalists, the AWDP is not just cultivating plants but also nurturing the careers that will shape the future of agriculture.