Oakland Roots Academy

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.