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Kew's Youth Explainer Programme 2025-26

Applications for the Youth Explainer programme, a free, year - long programme at Kew Gardens, are now open. We are looking for nature-enthusiasts between the ages of 14-17 who have the commitment, resilience and passion that is required to succeed in our fully funded, award-winning science communication programme

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What is the Kew Youth Explainer Programme?

The Kew Youth Explainer Programme is a free, year-long training and volunteering placement in science communication. During the first six months, participants will develop their understanding of Kew science and conservation, and gain skills in public engagement before designing their own tabletop games based on plants in Kew's glasshouse collections. 
 
In the second six months of the placement, participants will volunteer in one of Kew's world renowned glasshouses, playing their games with members of the public to educate them on the conservation status, threats and uses of plants found at Kew.
 
The programme is also an opportunity for participants to complete their Bronze or Silver skill and voluntary sections of their Duke of Edinburgh Awards as well as obtaining a Kew Young Environmental Leaders Award.
 
If you know a young person who would be interested in becoming a Youth Explainer, please find further information below, including promotional materials for advertising this opportunity to your groups, and information on how to apply.

Who?
The right young person may never have visited Kew before. They could be looking to develop their confidence, communication and leadership skills or be nurturing a desire to learn about and protect our planet. Or they could be looking for a meaningful volunteering placement to complete their Bronze or Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Youth Explainer programme is free to attend, lunch and snacks will be provided each day, and participants can claim travel expenses back of up to £13.90 per day. We particularly welcome applications from young people who are in receipt of free school meals.

When?
The programme takes place each Saturday throughout the academic year, with breaks aligning with school term dates. Participants are expected to be able to attend at least 80% of the training programme between October and March, and complete at least 10 volunteering sessions between April and September.

How?

Applications are closed for the 2024/25 programme and will open in September 2025 so do send expressions of interest to youth@kew.org

For further information please visit our website below

Youth Explainers | Kew


If you are interested in getting involved with our Youth Programme but don't have the time, consider joining our Youth Forum that meets monthly.

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Learn more About Youth Forum

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Volunteering Healthy Lifestyles Activities with other people Training

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on Saturdays

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What does it cost?

This event is free to attend!

Suitable for

14 - 15 16 - 18

14 - 17

Eligibility

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Quotes from young people

What previous participants had to say
"Its really fun to see all my friends here and also just playing the games makes you feel like you’re having an impact on people and having fun."
"I feel like I’m more appreciative of like the nature around me and I feel like I’m more in tune with the issues that are present like climate change and biodiversity."
"Before I started the programme I wasn’t that confident, like I didn’t really know how to speak to people and then like throughout the programme I’ve learnt more about public speaking and meeting new people."
 

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