CLASS OF 2026
Share this online application link with applicants: z.umn.edu/mg2026onlineapp.
Include the online application QR Code in your materials!
Other application options include:
PDF version: z.umn.edu/mg2026pdfapp
Use this as a preview when completing the online application -- or --
Use the application by downloading, printing, and completing it by hand; return completed application to the county program or to mgapp@umn.edu.
Fillable form version: z.umn.edu/mg2026fformapp
Download the file, find it in your downloads folder, and open it from there. Do not open it in your browser—if it opens in the browser, it will not work properly. After filling out the application, save it and attach the saved document to an email. Return the completed application to mgapp@umn.edu
NOTE: Please email any hard copy applications to mgapp@umn.edu or mgweb@umn.edu
Do you know someone in Minnesota interested in returning to the program? It is easy for a lapsed volunteer to re-join. Ask the applicant to:
Step 1: Complete the application. Meet with/interview the candidate to confirm commitment.
Step 2: Submit a background check online request and complete the safety of minors training. See a "Welcome" email example you can customize and send to interns.
Step 3: Submit $100 payment online for access to the course, badge and background check.
Step 4: Upon receipt of background check results by the state program, volunteer to receive access to the Core Course. Complete the core course quizzes and pass with 80%+ score .
Leader: Download and complete reinstatement form and email to mgweb@umn.edu.
Request Team consultation -- 612-625-9864 or mgweb@umn.edu
Extension Social Media Recruitment Campaign developed by Sam Wisneski, Extension Digital Engagement Specialist
Clips suitable for Instagram Reels or Facebook Stories:
What does it mean to be a Master Gardener?: https://vimeo.com/985964025/aeeb76bd48?share=copy
Becoming a Master Gardener: https://vimeo.com/985963756/82ed9c1dba?share=copy
Master Gardener priorities: https://vimeo.com/985963974/b40b741461?share=copy
Master Gardeners as educators: https://vimeo.com/985963918/a4940aa63f?share=copy
Community and giving back: https://vimeo.com/985963807/e76d5f7f27?share=copy
Connecting with other gardeners: https://vimeo.com/985963866/4f5673121a?share=copy
Words of encouragement: https://vimeo.com/985964070/f8b73852d0?share=copy
Customizable news release (download and update the Stearns County example)
Customizable flyers, customize, print and post flyers in your community
Announcement examples
Events calendars -- post your events!
Print your own event signs -- print version 1, 2; instructions
Order promotional materials including apparel, table cloths, other items.
Print your own: Recruitment cards, business cards, posters, postcards, notepad, handouts, labels, flyers, bookmarks
Professionally print: Recruitment cards, postcards, notepad, banner
Contact applicants via email or phone to confirm that you've received the application
Set up a time to welcome and introduce the applicant to the program and recruitment team:
Introduce the program’s mission, vision, priorities and your group's community work.
Use the meeting time to determine how someone’s gifts and talents fit into the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, not to identify barriers to their participation.
Review the suggested talking points, question examples, and rubric.
Confirm if the candidate would like to proceed in becoming a volunteer.
Ask applicant to submit a background check online request and complete the safety of minors training.
Welcome new interns to the program!
After receiving confirmation that the applicant would like to join the program, share the skills and interest form to learn:
which projects they are most interested in,
the audiences they would like to work with, and
the experiences and skills they can share with the program.
Financial Assistance Form (included in the application)
Group leaders confirm financial assistance funds are available.
Processing the financial assistance request:
The group leader confirms the intern list with the state team/Arboretum education registrar.
Via a phone call, the registrar confirms funding with the interns who've requested support and processes registration.
Question: What are you able to pay?
The financial assistance amount requested is usually 50% of the core course cost or less.
Financial assistance is provided upfront.
The state team and Registrar expedite moving funds from the local university EFS account to the state program account.
6-week recruitment plan to plan recruitment events in your county.
Recruiting: Core Course and Recruitment Toolkit Overview