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Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program, ExploreAg, will once again be offering free weeklong camps and one-day experiences for high school students in 2024.

In ExploreAg, teens learn about agriculture and related STEM fields from industry experts, scientists, and educators. Participants visit locations like Kroger and Bob Evans, manufacturers like John Deere and Certified Angus Beef, and college research laboratories at Ohio State, Wilmington and Findlay. During these multiday or daylong immersion programs, youths are able to develop their leadership and collaboration skills and prepare for college and further careers.

“There are so many opportunities for young people in agriculture, and just because a career is in the ag field doesn’t necessarily mean working in the dirt,” said Mary Klopfenstein, ExploreAg and ag literacy specialist with Ohio Farm Bureau. “To be able to introduce students to all of these options with hands-on learning is a great first step in filling the roles that we desperately need to keep the farm and food sector vibrant and thriving.”

As part of ExploreAg camps, students are introduced to various aspects of agriculture, food science, environmental sciences and more, both in the classroom and through opportunities for hands-on learning on and off-campus at the Ohio State University, University of Findlay, and Wilmington College. Students will interact with and learn directly from internationally known teachers, scientists and researchers.

Subject areas include food science, precision agriculture, animal sciences, natural resources, management skills, technology, and agricultural business. In addition to the classroom experience, students will participate in field experiences that highlight cutting-edge research and meet industry partners to provide a glimpse of various careers in related fields.

Weeklong immersive session locations and dates:

The Ohio State University Columbus Campus – June 9-14

The Ohio State University Wooster Campus – June 16-21

University of Findlay- July 7-12

Mini-camp immersive session locations and dates: 

COLT Electric Lineman Training, Mt. Gilead, May 31

Wilmington College, June 4-7

The ExploreAg program is free to all high school students and includes on-campus accommodations, meals, staffing, program materials, and transportation. Supervision is provided at all times by faculty, staff, and program counselors who are current college students in related majors.

The deadline to apply is April 26, and details can be found at exploreag.org. Students selected will be notified by May 1 of their selection. 

Parents and students can find more information here or by contacting [email protected].

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.