GEORGETOWN, Ky. (August 16, 2024) — The University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) has launched a pilot program of opportunities for high school students in Scott County, Kentucky. Through targeted educational initiatives, the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Research, Leadership, Industry (MG CAFE RLI) Scholars Program aims to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in their current educational environment, in college, and in their future careers.

The program was recently launched for the 10th grade at Scott County High School in Georgetown. The new building is equipped with state-of-the-art resources and facilities that promote agricultural learning.

The first class of Scott County MG CAFE RLI Scholars will have the opportunity to take courses in the UK, become familiar with a college campus and gain experiential learning in 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 raise awareness of the opportunities for students to pursue influential and meaningful careers in agriculture. Together, we are developing a knowledgeable and skilled workforce to support the agricultural sector.”

William Parker, superintendent of Scott County Schools, said Scott County is grateful and excited about 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 example of how we work together to provide our students with new and enhanced opportunities to learn and grow.”

Cadence Kerr is a sophomore at Scott County High School. She is excited about the MG CAFE RLI program as her first official step toward a possible career in agriculture.

“What I’m most excited about is learning more about the different areas of the industry,” Kerr said. “I already enjoy animal science, so that’s what I’m most looking forward to.”

The partnership between Scott County MG CAFE RLI and the UK is just the first step. The goal is to offer MG CAFE RLI programs in other schools and for other age groups.

“This program allows students to learn the more academic side of the industry and focus on our students’ strengths beyond working on a farm,” said Seth Felts, a Scott County High School teacher and former UK Martin-Gatton CAFE student. “We are fortunate to have great students. Many come to us without the ‘traditional’ farming background, which they sometimes view as a disadvantage. I am excited to see how this program opens their eyes to all the industry has to offer, combats those misconceptions and helps them discover their passion for farming.”

To learn more about UK Martin-Gatton CAFE student achievement and programs, visit https://students.ca.uky.edu.