By Andi Anderson
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation has awarded Buckeye Local Schools a $25,000 Youth Pathways for Careers in Agriculture Grant to support the Green Growth Gateway program. This initiative aims to introduce students to agricultural careers and provide hands-on learning experiences in food, environmental sciences, and farming.
The Green Growth Gateway program will integrate agriculture into the school curriculum, offering foundational pathways in agriculture, home economics, and science. A key component of the project is a student-designed greenhouse built in collaboration with local businesses and the Jefferson County Farm Bureau.
This facility will allow students to grow fresh produce, conduct experiments, and gain real-world agricultural experience.
Kelly Burns, executive director of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, highlighted the importance of such programs in shaping the future of agriculture. “By investing in programs like Green Growth Gateway, more students will discover the many opportunities available in the agricultural field,” she said.
Buckeye Local High School Agriculture Instructor Cameron Best will oversee the project, ensuring that students gain valuable hands-on experience. The initiative will also enhance STEM education by incorporating math and science applications into agricultural studies.
Superintendent Coy Sudvary expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasizing its impact on building a long-term agricultural education program. “This grant will provide agricultural opportunities for students for years to come and support the sustainability of our program,” he said.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation remains committed to preparing the next generation of farmers by offering scholarships, programming, and grants. Through initiatives like the Green Growth Gateway, the foundation continues to support agricultural education and workforce development in Ohio.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle