UK pilot program launches to inspire future agriculture leaders in Scott County
GEORGETOWN, Ky. (Aug. 16, 2024) — The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) has created a pilot program with opportunities for high school students in Scott County, Kentucky. 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 to thrive in their current educational setting, in college and in their future careers.
The program 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.
The first class of Scott County M-G CAFE RLI scholars will have opportunities to take classes at 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.”
Scott County Schools Superintendent William Parker said Scott County is grateful and excited for the partnership.
“Our goal is to make Scott County the best place in the world to live and learn for everyone,” Parker said. “Our work with the University of Kentucky is another great illustration of working together to offer new and enhanced opportunities for our students to learn and grow.”
Cadence Kerr a sophomore 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.”
The Scott County M-G CAFE RLI partnership with UK is only the first step. The goal is to have M-G CAFE RLI programs in other schools and with other age groups.
“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 UK Martin-Gatton 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.”
To learn more about the UK Martin-Gatton CAFE’s student success and programs, visit https://students.ca.uky.edu.
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