By Andi Anderson
Buckeye Local Schools has received the 2025 Youth Pathways for Careers in Agriculture Grant, awarded by the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation. The $25,000 grant will help the district develop programs that introduce students to careers in agriculture, supporting future workforce development in Ohio’s farming sector.
The Green Growth Gateway project is designed to enhance agricultural learning at Buckeye Local Schools. It combines physical infrastructure with educational programs, giving students hands-on experience in food production, home economics, and science. A student-designed greenhouse, created in collaboration with local organizations like the Jefferson County Farm Bureau, will be a key feature of this initiative. This facility will enable year-round learning, allowing students to conduct experiments, grow fresh produce, and explore career opportunities in agriculture.
“Introducing students to and training them for careers in food, agricultural and environmental sciences is crucial to maintaining the strong and dependable food system that we all rely on today,” said Kelly Burns, executive director of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation. “By investing in programs like the Green Growth Gateway, even more students will be able to discover and get excited about the plentiful opportunities that await them in the realm of agriculture.”
The Green Growth Gateway program represents a transformative step in rural education, fostering student interest in agriculture through practical experiences. Students will be able to grow food for culinary projects and enhance their learning in math and science by engaging in real-world applications. Cameron Best, Buckeye Local High School’s agriculture instructor, will oversee the project.
“Buckeye Local Schools are very appreciative of the grant support from the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation that will provide agricultural opportunities to the students of Buckeye Local Schools for many years to come,” said Coy Sudvary, superintendent of Buckeye Local School District. “We are currently in year one of building our agricultural education program at Buckeye Local, and this grant will support the sustainability of our program moving forward. We appreciate the support of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation and the Jefferson County Farm Bureau as we continue to build our program at Buckeye Local.”
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation continues to invest in youth agricultural education through grants, scholarships, and programs. These initiatives help young people explore diverse careers in farming, ensuring a strong agricultural future for Ohio. For more details, visit ofbf.org/foundation.
Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau
Categories: Ohio, Business