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St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES to launch new Agricultural Studies Academy in Canton

Posted 2/15/16

CANTON -- St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES will launch a new Agricultural Studies Academy (ASA) this fall in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County. The one-year program is …

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St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES to launch new Agricultural Studies Academy in Canton

Posted

CANTON -- St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES will launch a new Agricultural Studies Academy (ASA) this fall in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County.

The one-year program is open to incoming high school seniors and will offer a comprehensive introduction to a variety of agricultural sectors and related career fields.

Students will earn credits toward a Regents high school diploma while also completing an introductory level agricultural curriculum and earning post-secondary credits. The Agricultural Studies Academy will focus on career and college preparation, as well as hands-on field experience in the North Country agriculture industry.

“Agriculture is one of the North Country’s largest and most important industries,” notes BOCES District Superintendent Thomas Burns. “This program will provide our high school students with the educational and professional training opportunities they need to succeed in agricultural careers.”

The ASA curriculum is being developed with input from the local agricultural community, and will focus on leadership development and service learning. All students will be required to participate in a “Supervised Agricultural Experience,” to help them develop important professional skills such as public speaking, team collaboration and communication.

“We are proud to be part of this valuable program,” said Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Patrick Ames. “The Agricultural Studies Academy will assist in building the next generation of producers and agricultural professionals. Investing in these young people today will bring new strengths and innovations to the agricultural industry long into the future.”

The Academy will be hosted at the Extension Learning Farm in Canton, a facility owned and operated by Extension. Ames added, “Since Extension acquired the Farm in 1999, it has continued to develop the property as a resource promoting agriculture to greater community. This Academy is in keeping with the facility’s educational history and will likely be one of its most significant accomplishments.”

For more information about Agricultural Studies Academy, visit www.sllboces.org.