Application Form - Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program - Central Shenandoah Valley

I wish to become an intern in the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Program of Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Volunteer training program and would like to be accepted for the next class.  I understand there is a cost to cover the course and the administrative expenses.

I understand that to become a certified Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, I am required to:

• Be over eighteen years (18) of age.
• Attend the training sessions held October through March
• Complete the course of study.
• Complete 50 hours of focused volunteer service promoting & teaching sound horticulture practices 

Classes start October 8, 2026 and will be held every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at either the Rockingham Extension Office, Augusta Extension Office or by Zoom.  In addition, some classes are scheduled on a Saturday each month and will be held at Bridgewater College, the Rockingham Extension Office, or at a site where you will experience hands-on pruning, site evaluation, and landscape concepts. A schedule of classes with location will be provided at the time of acceptance into the program. 

Requirements are as follows:

• To become a Master Gardener Volunteer, you must attend at least 60 hours of classroom instruction 
• 85% class attendance is required.
• Take home quizzes are required to be finished upon the completion of subject 
•  Score a minimum of 70% on the final exam. The exam is a take home and open book exam. 
• Contribute at least 50 hours of focused, volunteer services conducting VCE horticulture-based education programs before December 1, 2027.  
• Attend at least 3 membership meetings (held 2nd Tuesdays in the evening of each month 
• The combined initial 110 hours must be completed by December 1, 2027 and upon completion, you will earn the title of VCE-Master Gardener Volunteer. 
• Once a VCE-Master Gardener Volunteer, you are required annually to contribute at least 20 hours of volunteer service promoting and teaching sustainable horticulture practices, to complete at least 8 hours of continuing education and to attend at least 3 monthly membership meetings.

You will agree by clicking the acceptance box before you login.

Policy Statement 

Extension Master Gardener Volunteer programs train individuals in the science and art of gardening. These individuals are volunteers who share the information they learn during their training and continuing education to advise and educate the public on sustainable horticulture.