Since the Master Gardener program began in 1972, it has spread to all 50 states and Canada. Its stated goals are to develop leadership life skills, identify community needs and volunteer service opportunities, enhance positive youth development thorough peer teaching and cross-generational mentoring, improve the quality of life through horticultural projects, and increase the availability of horticulture and environmental education. The new program will use the statewide network of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, including the Texas 4-H program's youth development programs and the Texas Master Gardeners' volunteer support in individual communities. Each level is constructed to build and grow to the next level. The program is designed with the flexibility to be used by different groups beyond traditional Extension programs, such as public schools, home schools, after-school programs, or youth clubs.
Individual activities allow youth to extend their learning from the group site to the home.
Golden Ray Series. The units are designed to be completed in a shorter duration of time and are especially applicable for classrooms with time constraints. The handbook offers a wide choice of group and individual activities, allowing flexibility to youths and teachers participating in the program. Handbook and Leader Management Guide was scheduled for completion in the fall of 1998. Local Master Gardener volunteers, 4-H volunteers, educators, and others involved in the pilot project will attend a training workshop on implementing the JMGsm program and how to work successfully with youth.