Community Beekeeping Academy

Program Schedule

• Applications accepted through July 31, 2026 (or until the first meeting on Saturday, August 8, 2026, if openings remain).

• Academy sessions are held on the second Saturday of each month.

• Rain Date: The following Sunday (next day).

• Typical meeting time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (most sessions will conclude closer to 11:00 AM).

Each monthly session includes:

• Seasonal classroom instruction

• Hands-on hive management

• Plant and pollinator education

• Equipment demonstrations

• Monthly quizzes

• Team-based hive activities

Attendance & Completion

This is an active, hands-on program. Participants are expected to attend monthly sessions and actively participate in hive management throughout the year.

Graduation is based on successfully earning the required number of Academy Points through:

• Classroom participation

• Passing module quizzes

• Hands-on hive work

• Academy Activities (community outreach, additional hive work, pollinator plant identification, volunteer opportunities, etc.)

If a classroom session is missed, participants may review the recorded lesson and complete the required make-up work. Hive sessions may be rescheduled within reason when necessary; however, participants are strongly encouraged to complete hive work alongside their assigned study group whenever possible. 

Participants will have access to:

• Academy binder and course materials

• Shared use of academy tools and equipment, bee jackets, and protective gloves

• Access to digital resources, videos, and recommended readings

• Mentorship throughout the program

Participant Responsibilities

Participants should expect to:

• Work as part of a small study group.

• Rotate responsibilities during hive inspections (smoker, inspector, recorder, etc.).

• Help manage academy teaching colonies throughout the year.

• Participate in seasonal activities such as honey harvests, colony splits, and swarm response opportunities.

• Complete monthly quizzes and required Academy Point activities.

• Continue reviewing course materials between monthly sessions.

Program Materials Fee

A $150 program materials fee is requested to help offset the cost of participant materials and academy equipment. Financial assistance may be available for applicants with demonstrated need. No applicant will be selected or denied based on their ability to pay.

What to Wear

Participants should bring:

• Closed-toe shoes or rain boots (recommended)

• Loose-fitting long pants

• A comfortable long- or short-sleeved shirt to wear beneath the provided bee jacket

• Water bottle

• Weather-appropriate clothing/accessories for outdoor work

Classes are held outdoors at a community garden whenever possible. While canopies, water, and other accommodations will be provided, participants should expect to work in typical Louisiana weather conditions, including heat, humidity, insects, and occasional mud. Outdoor activities may be modified or moved indoors when weather or bee conditions make hive work unsafe.

Additional Information

Because this is a working educational apiary:

• Participants only. Friends, family members, and children may not attend sessions.

• Space is limited to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.

• Respect for fellow participants, instructors, host sites, and honey bees is expected at all times.

Safety

Participants should be comfortable working outdoors around live honey bees. While every effort is made to create a safe learning environment, bee stings are a normal part of beekeeping. Participants with known allergies should discuss participation with their physician and bring any prescribed emergency medications to each session.

Graduation

Graduates will leave with the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience to begin their own beekeeping journey, support community apiaries, or Graduates will leave with the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience to begin their own beekeeping journey, support community apiaries, volunteer with the academy, or continue growing as stewards of pollinators within their communities.

Photos & Videos

Academy activities may be photographed or recorded for educational, promotional, and grant reporting purposes. Participants will receive a separate media release form before the program begins.

Application & Selection Process

Enrollment is limited to 12 participants per cohort to ensure each student receives meaningful hands-on experience and individualized instruction.

If the number of qualified applicants exceeds available spaces, participants will be selected based on their demonstrated commitment, interest in learning, ability to participate in the program, and the academy's goal of building a collaborative and well-rounded cohort.

Applicants who are not selected may be placed on a waitlist and will receive priority consideration for the following year's academy if they choose to reapply.