Celebrating 50 Years of Colorado Master Gardener History
Primary Topic:
Horticulture
Other Topics:
Horticulture
Lead Mentor:
Chris Hilgert
Colorado Master Gardener Program Director and Horticulture State Specialist
Internship Overview:
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Colorado Master Gardener program. In 2024, the year leading up to the CMG 50th anniversary, the intern will develop materials that celebrate the people, programs, accomplishments, and the growth of the CMG program over the past 50 years. The intern will research the history of the CMG program in each county, the current and previous CSU employees and volunteers who have been instrumental in building the CMG program, volunteer programs and activities offered through the years, and the impacts CMGs have made in Colorado. The intern will develop marketing and communication resources that highlight who we are, what we do, where we are, how we do it, and why it matters. These resources will tell the CMG story, market the CMG program, communicate CMG impacts, and celebrate our 50 year history. Materials will be shared statewide and used to promote and celebrate all county-based CMG programs. Skills required include story telling, journalism, writing, interviewing, and communication.
Goals, Scope and Objectives:
The main goal of this internship is to produce CMG 50th Anniversary Celebration materials that will be shared statewide. The scope of the project is the entire 50 year history and the county and statewide programming efforts that help tell the story of the CMG program.
Objectives:
Interview and record key volunteers and Extension staff that represent the diversity of people and activities involved in CMG’s history.
Research the history of all county CMG programs, training efforts, and volunteer activities.
Create CMG 50th logo.
Create a magazine, or similar print publication that highlights all county programs, efforts to train and engage volunteers, and the volunteers and the Extension staff involved.
Create a short film or documentary that celebrates 50 years of CMG history and demonstrates the passion of the volunteers and highlights program success.
Objectives:
Interview and record key volunteers and Extension staff that represent the diversity of people and activities involved in CMG’s history.
Research the history of all county CMG programs, training efforts, and volunteer activities.
Create CMG 50th logo.
Create a magazine, or similar print publication that highlights all county programs, efforts to train and engage volunteers, and the volunteers and the Extension staff involved.
Create a short film or documentary that celebrates 50 years of CMG history and demonstrates the passion of the volunteers and highlights program success.
With which stakeholder group(s) will the intern work?
The intern will work with several stakeholder groups including CMGLC, CMG volunteers, CMG coordinators, CSU horticulture specialists, county-based Extension teams, OEE MarComm, and community partners.
What student learning outcomes do you anticipate and what are the opportunities for professional development?
The intern will gain knowledge and experience in marketing, communication, branding, videography, conducting interviews, and program planning. Skills developed during the internship will be transferrable to other jobs and projects the student may pursue. The intern will gain a broader understanding of the role Extension and volunteers play in serving Colorado communities, and the impacts the CMG program has made. The intern will work with a media production mentor with years of experience.
