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Building the Foundation: Connecting Middle School Youth to Agriculture

Extension Education

Rachel Owens
Livestock Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension
Monroe

Abstract

NC Cooperative Extension - Union County Center, along with Union County Public Schools, recognized the importance of agriculture and its economic impact in Eastern Union County. Through this, East Union Middle School was identified as an Agriculture Technology Academy, where students and educators in all subject matter areas would engage with each other through educational facilitation involving an agriculture-based curriculum. N.C. Cooperative Extension - Union County Center partnered with Career Readiness Educators to determine the initial needs of the program and created a development plan for program expansion. This development plan identified several key outcomes and impacts. Goals identified included providing exposure to community-based agriculture and focusing on underserved populations, increasing awareness and appreciation for food production systems, creating community support for the Ag Tech program, and allowing youth to explore local agriculture career opportunities. Programs were then created to develop short, medium and long term goals for the overall program. Action plans were implemented using a variety of delivery methods for student and educator success, including experiential learning, design and construction of curriculum, and professional development for educators. Program evaluations have demonstrated the successful execution of program outcomes. Through program impacts achieved, additional middle schools have been identified to expand the agricultural-based curriculum. 

 

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Aaron Moore, Andrew Baucom, Rachel Owens, Crystal Starkes
  1. Moore, A. Agriculture Agent - Small Farms, NC Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 28112
  2. Baucom, A. County Extension Director, NC Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 28112
  3. Owens, R. Agriculture Agent- Livestock, NC Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 28112
  4. Starkes, C. 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 28112