The Garden As Classroom (GAC) Program provides opportunities for school children on the island of Kaua`i to study tropical plants. The course promotes enthusiasm and excitement for science and uses the extraordinary living collections of the NTBG. Curriculum is designed to closely match the content standards mandated by the Hawai`i Department of Education and NTBG Education staff work closely with teachers both in the classroom and in the garden. The course is currently held at NTBG’s Kaua`i gardens.

The Junior Restoration Team program builds on the fundamentals established in the Garden As Classroom program and takes conservation education to the next level of hands-on participation. This program brings middle and high school students to selected sites to participate in ecological restoration projects. The students come periodically throughout the school year to complete all phases of the restoration project. Emphasis is on teamwork: group problem-solving, cooperation on physically demanding tasks, and open discussion of the concepts and results. The program is currently held at NTBG’s Kaua`i gardens and preserves and other selected project sites.

The Horticultural Internship Program is a work-study experience offered to college- and university-level students interested in horticulture, botany, ethnobotany, conservation, or science-related fields. The course covers a wide range of innovative topics and provides experience that will help guide students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and career paths. Classes and practical experience are conducted at NTBG Headquarters, its Hawai`i gardens, and other appropriate sites. This internship is currently offered for late summer through fall each year.

Science Teachers’ Enrichment Program enhances teachers’ knowledge of current information about tropical biology and equips them with innovative techniques using an inquiry-based approach, thus inspiring greater student interest in science education. Teachers construct instructional modules and devote significant time to preparing “science kits” consisting of classroom manipulatives and inquiry-based learning activities. The training is conducted in partnership with Kaua`i Community College of the University of Hawai`i system and is currently held at NTBG headquarters, its Kaua`i gardens, and other appropriate sites.

The Environmental Journalism Fellowship provides specialized working journalists in broadcast, print and online media much-needed information about tropical ecosystems, providing deep background in tropical ecology to enhance the accuracy of reporting on science and environmental issues. The focus of the fellowship is immersion and not advocacy. The course is currently held in late spring/early summer at NTBG headquarters, its Kaua`i gardens, and other appropriate sites.