Penn State Ag Day showcases agricultural careers to teens

By Blake Jackson

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences recently hosted a unique event designed to spark young minds and inspire future agricultural leaders. "Plant Yourself in Ag Day" brought together high school students from seven regional schools to immerse themselves in the world of agriculture and explore the diverse career opportunities it offers.

The event, organized by undergraduate agricultural and extension education students, aimed to address the growing need for skilled professionals in the agriculture and food industries.

With over 75,000 new and replacement jobs projected in the next decade, Pennsylvania is actively seeking young talent to fill these roles.

Throughout the day, high school students rotated through various stations, learning about research, technology, and practical applications in agriculture. They had the chance to interact with researchers, visit a research farm, and even operate a tractor.

The college expo provided an opportunity to learn about different majors within the College of Agricultural Sciences.

"Plant Yourself in Ag Day" was not just a learning experience for high school students but also a valuable opportunity for undergraduate students to develop their teaching and leadership skills. By organizing and facilitating the event, they gained firsthand experience in creating engaging educational programs.

“The collaboration between research faculty is a critical element,” said Kevin Curry Jr., associate professor of agricultural and extension education. “It is through their disciplinary expertise and applied research that we were able to highlight the awesome career opportunities for high school students. We are actively recruiting faculty and lab partners for our 2025 event."

The event was made possible through the support of the Penn State's Engaged Scholarship and Experiential Learning Seed Grant Program, the Friends of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Foundation, and LandPro. By investing in the future of agriculture, these organizations are helping to ensure a thriving industry for generations to come.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes