By Blake Jackson
Kentucky State University is offering a summer program to introduce high school-aged male students to careers in agriculture. The Harvesting Potential Summer Agriculture Introduction Program will take place from June 8 to June 12 on campus. The program provides a residential experience that combines learning, mentorship, and career exploration.
Students will participate in hands-on activities, industry visits, and workforce exposure opportunities. These experiences will help them understand agriculture as a field that includes science, business, technology, leadership, and service. The program also allows students to connect with university faculty, staff, and current students.
“The Harvesting Potential Program is designed to bring students from across the country to Kentucky State University for a week of exposure, connection, and discovery. They will not only experience campus life but also engage directly with our student leaders and learn about the many career opportunities that exist within agriculture,” said Dr. Jamaal Jackson.
The program supports Kentucky State’s mission to provide education and career opportunities, especially as the state’s only public HBCU and 1890 land-grant institution. It focuses on preparing students for future roles in agriculture while encouraging leadership and community service.
Malik Thompson, a graduate student, will help manage the program and guide participants throughout the experience.
“For many students, a program like this can be the first step toward seeing agriculture as a place where they belong,” Thompson said. “We want participants to leave with new knowledge, new confidence, and a clearer sense of the academic and career opportunities available through Kentucky State and the broader agriculture industry.”
Recruitment is now open for students, families, and community partners. The program is supported by a federal grant that helps strengthen agricultural training and workforce development.
This initiative helps build a strong future workforce by introducing students to agriculture early and preparing them for careers that support farms, food systems, and local economies.
For more information or to register, visit https://www.kysu.edu/academics/college-ahnr/school-of-anr/co-op/harvesting-potential-agricultural-introduction.php
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotografixx
Categories: Kentucky, Rural Lifestyle