Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program, ExploreAg, offers FREE week, multi-day and day-long immersion programs for high-school students. 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 research laboratories at OSU, Wilmington and Findlay. Youth are able to develop their leadership and collaboration skills and prepare for college and further careers.
The 10-year need for workers in agribusiness occupations totals nearly 470,000. More than 90,000 of this need is in farming occupations, including agricultural managers. Source: Regionomics
The recipient of American Farm Bureau’s 2020 New Horizon Award, the ExploreAg program offers one-week long camps, weekend camps and one day experiences for high school students free of charge. Students are immersed in hands-on learning exposing them to a multitude of careers in agriculture, including those careers in STEM.
High school students interact with and learn from internationally known teachers, scientists and researchers. Students are hosted on college campuses such as Ohio State University, Central State University and the University of Findlay and are introduced to various aspects of agriculture both in the classroom and through diverse hands-on learning experiences.
In addition to the classroom experience, scholars will participate in field experiences that highlight cutting-edge research, and introduce industry partners, to provide scholars with a glimpse of innovative careers in related fields.
“ExploreAg is more than just a camp, it’s awesome to get to see how broad agriculture is while having fun and making new friends. You end up learning a lot without it ever feeling like work. It’s an awesome opportunity to have fun, gain new friends, make valuable connections and maybe even find your lifelong career.” Zach Z.
Three weeklong camps are being planned for 2023, and four mini camps.
Weeklong camps:
Mini Camps:
Parent Q&A Zoom sessions will take place Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. and March 8 at 6 p.m. Register, and the Zoom link will be sent to participants via email.
ExploreAg introduces students to the various careers in science, engineering and technology in the food and fiber industry.
Learn MoreExploreAg gives campers a unique opportunity to really evaluate what the agriculture careers of today and tomorrow will look like for them.
Learn MoreScholars are selected through a competitive application process requiring a completed application and one reference that is not a friend or family member. Apply by April 10.
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