OREGON – Over 175 high school and middle school students attended the Ag Career Exploration Fair on Nov. 21 in Oregon. Students met with and asked questions to college recruiters and business representatives who focused on studies and careers in the agricultural field. Colleges shared information on the many majors in agriculture and what it takes to get a degree. Agriculture-related employers had representatives there to offer career knowledge and discuss the skills needed to perform specific jobs.
High schools that participated were from Oregon, Ashton-Franklin Center, and Fulton. Colleges, universities, and businesses that were on hand for the students were Blackhawk College East Campus, Iowa State, Joliet Junior College, Southern Illinois University, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Western Illinois University, Bayer, CHS, Etnyre, Nachusa Grasslands, and Vita Plus. There were also U of I Extension staff to talk about food science and careers in Extension. John Heisner from FCAE visited with students about ag education as a career path.
Melinda Colbert, University of Illinois Extension Ag in the Classroom Program coordinator, said, “The target audience is high school students, and sometimes ag teachers or guidance counselors bring the students. The home school population that attends continues to grow, along with students that come with their parents.” The event was free and open to the public.
Ag in the Classroom is offered through the University of Illinois Extension in partnership with Ogle County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Ogle County Soil & Water, and Carroll County Soil & Water.
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for the University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.
