Franklin park conservatory and botanical gardens (FPC) will create a comprehensive learning and development program for its staff

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens $813,375 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to create a comprehensive learning and development program for staff.

The recipient will hire a full-time Learning and Development Specialist to conduct a staff needs assessment and design and implement a professional development program. The specialist will expand the organization's online learning management system to deliver customized training modules, department-specific learning pathways, cross-training programs, and career development resources with dashboards tracking participation and performance. Staff will access external learning opportunities such as conferences and workshops. The program aims to deepen staff knowledge of the conservatory's mission, strategic priorities, and technical competencies while developing leadership, collaboration, and specialized skills relevant to their roles. Employees are expected to demonstrate increased engagement in learning, apply new knowledge on the job, and adopt behaviors reflecting commitment to continuous improvement and organizational excellence.

The project runs through August 31, 2029, and is performed in Columbus, Ohio. Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is a state government entity operating as a joint recreation district.

The project will support the hiring of a full-time learning and development specialist to conduct a staff needs assessment and coordinate the research, design, and implementation of a professional development program. The new specialist will support expanded use of an online learning management system to deliver educational content for staff, including customized training modules and curricula, department-specific learning pathways, cross-training programs, career paths, and dashboards to track participation and performance. Staff will also identify external learning opportunities, such as conferences and workshops, to further their professional growth. Staff will gain deeper knowledge of FPC's mission, strategic priorities, and technical competencies, while also developing skills in leadership, collaboration, and specialized areas relevant to their roles. Employees will demonstrate increased engagement in learning, actively apply new knowledge on the job, and adopt behaviors that reflect a commitment to continuous improvement and organizational excellence.