Botanic Gardens Learning By Leading

About Us

The Learning by Leading™ (LxL) internship model at Cornell Botanic Gardens seeks to build a network of dynamic student-led teams — supported by the Gardens' staff and resources — who are passionate about environmental issues, skilled in collaboration and communication, and capable of creative problem-solving.

The LxL program centers on collaboration, co-creation, experiential learning, and the importance of place. LxL is built on a small team-based structure, in which a staff mentor at the gardens is paired with two student co-leaders. Based on interest in leadership, Team Members are encouraged to apply for the paid position of Team Co-Leader the following year.

The Co-Leaders coordinate the activities of small teams of peers who will, with the guidance and support of the staff mentor, carry out student-led projects and initiatives that work toward achieving Botanic Gardens' mission.

OUR MISSION: Inspiring people---through cultivation, conservation, and education---to understand, appreciate and nurture plants and the cultures they sustain.

Learning by Leading is an opportunity to experience independence, teamwork, and student leadership (similar to that of a student club), with the support of professional expertise, administrative connections, and funding of a well-established, major public facing institution – the Cornell Botanic Gardens.

There are currently three Learning by Leading Teams at Cornell Botanic Gardens. Applicants should apply for at least one of the following teams:

• Garden Ambassadors Team, dedicated to outreach, engagement, and informal education

• Horticultural Enterprise team, specializing in plant propagation and sales

• Sustainable Landscapes team, focused on stewardship of the natural areas managed by the Gardens