Regional middle and high school students get hands-on with 3rd ‘Ag is for All’
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2024) — As the definition of agriculture continues to evolve, finding ways to connect with the next generation of food providers becomes complicated. But the “Ag is For All” event brought students from around the Commonwealth and region to the University of Kentucky’s campus for the third time.
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment (CAFE) rolled out the welcome mat for its annual event, hosted by the Office of Access, Community & Engagement.
“‘Ag is For All’ is designed to help high school students from underrepresented groups learn about the college experience and academic programs,” said Kendriana Price, Ed.D., assistant dean for community relations and engagement. “The conference aims to build better relationships between students and the UK community, leaving attendees more informed and inspired about their college options.”
Joined by Martin-Gatton CAFE student volunteers, the daylong conference is designed to help reduce barriers to higher education and create access to resources, while helping students consider UK as their next academic home.
“My favorite part of the conference is connecting with students and making them feel welcomed,” said Jaida Alee, a senior from Louisville studying equine science and management as well as business and international business. “I enjoyed answering all their questions and giving insight about my experiences with Martin-Gatton CAFE.”
Students who attended the conference were able to get help applying for admission to Martin-Gatton CAFE, discover scholarship opportunities and complete FAFSA forms.
“It was a fulfilling opportunity to connect with prospective students and get them excited about their college journey,” Alee said.
After doubling participation from just 34 attendees the inaugural year to 68 attendees this year, event organizers hope to continue helping to reduce barriers to higher education.
“We plan to add sessions specifically designed for first-generation high school students and their families. By doing so, we hope to create a more welcoming and supportive environment, making higher education more attractive to all students,” Price said.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.