About Us

GardHouse is a non-profit organization that provides work-based programs for underserved college students by leveraging partnerships with local companies, nonprofits, and government agencies to provide paid internships.

Founded 2019

GardHouse was established in 2019 by Jonathan Ryan Gardner after learning that underserved students have been graduating from college twice as likely to be unemployed for the last 51 years. We began our work to dismantle barriers in Charlotte due to its upward economic mobility ranking of 50 out of 50, meaning those born into poverty lack opportunities to advance.

At the time of GardHouse’s inception, no work-based programs primarily focused solely on this demographic by leveraging local small-to-mid-sized businesses to serve as the training hub for talent.

OUR MISSION AND Vision

Vision Statement

To eliminate the systemic barriers underserved college students face when seeking post-secondary employment upon graduation.

Mission Statement

To partner with employers to transform the workforce by providing underserved college students with targeted professional development, career coaching, and paid internships.