Oakland Roots Academy
About the Program
Over the past three years, Historic Oakland Foundation has led a workforce development initiative for local high school students through eight weeks of paid, hands-on job training. Formerly known as the Youth Landscape and Hardscape Team (YLHT), the program has grown significantly in both student participation and scope of offerings.
Today, the Oakland Roots Academy serves as the umbrella for all student workforce and leadership development programs offered by Historic Oakland Foundation.
First-year students apply to the Green Skills Crew, an eight-week paid program that offers two specialized tracks: Historic Preservation and Horticulture. Participants work alongside Oakland’s professional staff to build foundational skills, learn industry best practices, and explore careers connected to history, preservation, and environmental stewardship.
Students who successfully complete their first year may be invited to apply for a second-year leadership opportunity, known as the Green Leaders Crew. This program allows returning participants to deepen their skills, take on mentorship roles, and explore career pathways more intentionally.
Through Oakland Roots Academy, students gain real-world workforce experience, contributing to the preservation, care, and sustainability of Oakland Cemetery, while also increasing civic engagement, leadership development, and career exposure through partnerships with Atlanta-area nonprofit organizations.
Green Skills Crew
The Green Skills Crew is designed for students who are interested in the fields of historic preservation or horticulture. Students selected to the Green Skills Crew will support the work of Oakland’s Historic Preservation or Horticulture departments over eight weeks (June 1 – July 24, 2026) through hands on learning and work projects in historic Oakland Cemetery.
Throughout the summer, students in the Green Skills Crew will have weekly professional development learning workshops to support their career readiness and visits to local non-profits working in the areas of greenspace development and historic preservation.
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Rising 10th–12th grade students for the 2026–27 school year
Enrollment in a City of Atlanta, Fulton County, DeKalb County, or Clayton County Title I high school cluster
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Commitment of 20 hours per week
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Willingness to collaborate as part of a team and follow safety guidelines
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Paid at $12 per hour
Uniforms, protective gear, and necessary equipment provided
Green Leaders Crew
The Green Leaders Crew is a second-year leadership pathway designed for selected students who have successfully completed the Green Skills Crew. This opportunity is invitation-based and intended for students who demonstrate strong work ethic, leadership potential, and a commitment to continued growth.
Green Leaders Crew members participate in monthly leadership development programming during the school year, building skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional responsibility.
Students who complete the Green Leaders Crew serve in leadership roles the following summer, overseeing and supporting Green Skills Crew participants by assisting with daily tasks, coordinating with Oakland’s Historic Preservation & Horticulture teams, and helping create a positive and productive work environment.
Apply
Students interested in joining the Green Skills Crew should complete the application by Friday, April 3rd.
Application Process Timeline
April 13–25: Individual interviews for all applicants
Group Interviews
Historic Preservation Track – Saturday, May 2nd
Horticulture Track – Saturday, May 9th
Students selected for the program will be required to attend a pre-orientation meeting with their parent or guardian, as well as a team-building session, before the start of employment. Oakland Roots Academy looks forward to welcoming a new cohort of students ready to grow skills, gain experience, and build their roots at Oakland Cemetery.
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Support this Program
Funding for this program comes from generous foundations and supporters. Help us serve more students through the Oakland Roots Academy program. Make a donation today.
