YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — This spring, Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge is partnering with Young Harris College to offer a communications internship to YHC senior Savannah Rogers of Cleveland, Georgia. The results are mutually beneficial: Hamilton Gardens is receiving innovative ideas for implementing educational programming, and Rogers is gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
“One of my ultimate professional goals is to become the lead education facilitator and programmer for a museum or other type of cultural institution,” said Rogers, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with an education management concentration and music minor. “I’m confident that gaining behind-the-scenes experience at Hamilton Gardens will propel me closer to that goal.”
Located on the shoreline of Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, Georgia, Hamilton Gardens has the largest collection of rhododendrons in the Southeast. The 33-acre botanical garden also includes azaleas, trilliums, shooting stars, wild ginger, trout lilies and Solomon’s seal.
As part of her internship, Rogers initiated a partnership between her education class and Hamilton Gardens to develop educational programming for the Gardens. Rogers and her classmates, Taylor Anderson, Chloe Decker and Katelyn Spinks, will present their recommendations to the Hamilton Gardens team on Thursday, April 18 at 11 a.m. at City Hall in Hiawassee, Georgia.
“In my initial interview with the Gardens’ board president, she expressed a desire to craft educational programming for the Gardens to involve the local schools and community, but she also expressed their lack of ability to do so at the time,” said Rogers. “I had the unique opportunity to build a relationship between the Gardens and the College, as well as to extend the partnership to include local schools. When we present on April 18, our goal is to offer the board of Hamilton Gardens several significant first steps in implementing educational programs.”
Carol Townsend, who serves as president of Hamilton Gardens, said, “Education is a key part of our mission, and we are excited to see what the students have in mind!”
In addition to developing a partnership between her education class and Hamilton Gardens, Rogers’ internship has included working with local Chambers of Commerce and online content development.
If your business is interested in partnering with Young Harris College to offer internships or jobs, please contact the YHC Academic Success Center at (706) 379-5200 or [email protected].
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has three academic divisions: Arts and Humanities, Professional Studies, and Mathematics, Science and Technology, with more than 1,400 students enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The historic campus in Young Harris, Georgia has completed major campus improvements to accommodate the College’s growth. LEED-certified campus improvements include the 121,000-square-foot Rollins Campus Center, residence facilities and a 57,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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