CANTON -- An open house for BOCES’ Agricultural Studies Academy will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Learning Farm, 1894 State Highway 68.

Parents, school counselors and students interested in agriculture or agribusiness careers are invited to attend and learn about this one-year program available to high school seniors.

“Students who attend the open house will be introduced to a wide variety of ag careers to consider, and hear about the study areas that are available through the Academy,” said Patrick Ames, Extension executive director.

The evening will also include cash door prizes, parting gifts and ice cream social.

The Ag Studies Academy is a partnership between BOCES and the Extension and gives seniors a comprehensive introduction to agricultural business management with hand-on learning opportunities. The academy’s integrated curriculum includes animal science, ag mechanics, and ag business management and includes visits to Cornell University, SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Morrisville.

“The program is tailored to real life agriculture experiences,” said Travis Bresett, a Hammond High school senior enrolled in the academy.

“[It’s given me] a chance to meet people from many avenues of agriculture,” said Chelsea Smith, a Madrid-Waddington senior.

Ames said students currently enrolled in the academy are from the Madrid-Waddington, Gouverneur, Hammond, Massena and Ogdensburg school districts, and the program is seeking to expand enrollment for its second year.

The academy will begin accepting enrollment in April. To be eligible to participate, students who are graduating in 2018 must be in good academic standing and have completed their Regents requirements. Students interested in enrolling can initiate the process by contacting their school counselor.

Students and families unable to attend the open house can schedule an individual visit by contacting Patty Gilbert at 315-379-9192, or patricia.gilbert@sllboces.org.