This is the first step in becoming a Champaign County Master Gardener volunteer. Our next in-person training session will begin in January 2025. We also have a self-paced online course that will begin in October 2024.
Once you submit this interest form:
1) Your form will be reviewed and an invitation will be sent at a later date for an interview prior to class. This form does not guarantee acceptance into the training program. There are a limited number of spots for the upcoming in-person class.
2) If accepted into the volunteer program, you will be asked to complete 6 forms as required by the State Master Gardener program.
3) The fee for the in-person course is $200. Financial assistance may be available on a request basis. The deadline to request financial assistance is Dec. 15, 2024. Contact vln3@illinois.edu to request the form. Payment for the course is credit card (preferred) or check, which includes the manual in one of these formats - hard copy, USB or both ($320 for both). The manual (in form requested by trainee) will be shipped to the participant’s home address starting January 2025.
4) Completing all of the courses (60 hours of instruction at 4-6 hours per week on average), and 40 hours of volunteering as an intern within 2 years of finishing the course are mandatory in order to become a certified active Master Gardener.
5) Each course will end with a quiz. You must score 80% or better to move to the next chapter. Retakes are an option. A final exam at the end of all chapters must also score 80% or better in order to finish the course. Again, retakes are an option.
6) To maintain certification in subsequent years, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer activities annually, in addition to keeping the annual volunteer agreement and 5-year re-screen paperwork up to date with Extension.