The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has created a pilot program with opportunities for high school students in Scott County. Through intentional educational outreach initiatives, the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Research, Leadership, Industry (M-G CAFE RLI) Scholars program aims to equip students with the skills needed in their current educational setting, in college, and in their future careers.
(Left to right) Scott County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning Stephanie Emmons, Scott County Schools Superintendent William Parker, Senior Associate Dean for Instruction in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Carmen Agouridis, and Scott County High School Principal Elizabeth Gabehart stand in the new SCHS greenhouse. Photo by Matt Barton
The program was recently launched for 10th graders at Scott County High School in Georgetown. The new building is equipped with state-of-the-art resources and amenities promoting agricultural learning.
New Greenhouse at Scott County High School
The first class of Scott County M-G CAFE RLI scholars will have opportunities to take classes in the UK, familiarize themselves with a college campus, and receive experiential learning through the college's many departments.
"Agriculture contributes billions of dollars to Kentucky's economy each year," said Carmen Agouridis, senior associate dean of Martin-Gatton CAFE. "Our partnership with Scott County aims to increase awareness of opportunities for students to have impactful and meaningful careers within the agricultural industry. Together, we are developing a knowledgeable and skilled workforce to support the agricultural sector."
Cadence Kerr is heading into her sophomore year at Scott County High School. She looks forward to the M-G CAFE RLI program as her first official step toward a potential career in agriculture. "I'm mostly excited to learn about all the different parts of the industry," Kerr said. "I already enjoy animal science, so I'm looking forward to that the most."
"This program will allow students to see the more academic side of the industry, focusing on strengths our students possess outside of just working on a farm," said Seth Felts, teacher at Scott County High School and M-G CAFE alumnus. "We are fortunate to have amazing students. Many come to us without the 'traditional' agriculture background, which they sometimes view as a disadvantage. I am excited to see how this program opens their eyes to all that the industry offers, combating those misconceptions and assisting them in finding their passion within agriculture."
Source: uknow.uky.edu