Green Collar Career Day

NC State University Department of Horticultural Science and the JC Raulston Arboretum

• Friday, October 10, 2025 – 9:00 am–1:00 pm

What's the question most frequently asked to a high schooler? What do you want to do? Or the classic, where are you going to college?

Careers are on the forefront of a high schooler's mind, if not their parents. Even though the green industry is ripe with opportunities, studies show that 61% of jobs in horticulture are open and remain unfilled annually. Maybe it's because of stereotypes about careers in the green industry or maybe it's due to the lack of education programs about plants leading to a decrease in appreciation for how plants positively affect our world.

Welcome Green Collar Career Day! This fall, join NC State's Department of Horticultural Science, Agricultural Institute and JC Raulston Arboretum as we share all the things we love about the green industry! Explore careers that are fulfilling — who doesn’t like working or being around plants all day? Find out how diverse horticulture careers are — did you know horticulturists work in zoos? See what a welcoming and supportive community the green industry is.

Here's what you can expect:

9:00 am

Registration

9:30 am

Brief Welcome

9:45 am

Visit with the Green Industry
Guided tours of the JC Raulston Arboretum

11:30 am

Lunch (box lunches are included in registration fee)

12:00 pm

Cultivating Careers Talk

1:00 pm

Career Day Sendoff

Who should come?

High school students who have a sincere interest in learning about the green industry and opportunities in horticulture. Students must have an adult chaperone that attends with them.

Local High School Teachers with students who are interested in horticulture. We ask that teachers register their students for the event as a group. Students can also come with a parent or adult chaperone if not attending as a school.

What is the cost? What’s included?

$15.00 per student. No fee for first teacher per school or first adult chaperone per student. Extra adults will be charged a fee to pay for the boxed lunch.

Registration fees cover the morning activities and keynote speaker as well as a boxed lunch.

How to register?

Follow the links below or click on the red "Register" button at the top of the page.

Cost

$15.00 per student. No cost for first teacher/adult chaperone per student group. Additional adults attending will be charged lunch fee.

Registration

Space is limited. Advance registration is required. Register through our online registration form.

Cancellation

Program cancellations can be made up to 72 hours before the program's start date. A 15% cancellation fee applies.

Location

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Directions

Need directions? Click here.

Parking

Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.

Questions

Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.