The Empowering Greenhouse Resiliency with an Optimized Workforce (E-Grow) project is designed to inspire and develop youth competency in agricultural technology (AgTech) and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). In partnership with seven project collaborators and ten middle and high schools across four U.S. states, E-Grow will launch a certificate program, preparing the next generation for careers in the rapidly evolving field of CEA.
The certification is launched by Glase. The project bridges the gap between technology and agriculture, specifically focusing on automation in greenhouse climate control, robotics and AI for crop science, and energy and economic benchmarking of vertical farms. Through innovative, non-formal educational modules and experiential learning, E-Grow seeks to attract tech-savvy Stem students and foster a deeper understanding of AgTech in food production.
Empowering the next generation in AgTech: The E-Grow project
The project is dedicated to inspiring and developing youth skills in agricultural technology (AgTech) and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Partnering with seven collaborators and ten middle and high schools across New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wyoming, E-Grow will launch a certificate program through Glase preparing students for careers in the fast-evolving CEA field. This project bridges technology and agriculture, focusing on greenhouse automation, robotics and AI for crop science, and energy and economic benchmarking in vertical farms. Through innovative, non-traditional learning modules, E-Grow seeks to attract tech-savvy STEM students and foster a strong understanding of AgTech's role in food production.
Piloting the future workforce
Starting in ten schools across four states, E-Grow aims to reach 500 to 1,000 students over the course of the project, placing special emphasis on engaging traditionally underrepresented groups in Stem, including rural, low-income, young women, ethnic minorities, and students with disabilities.
Collaborative effort to drive innovation
Supported by the Food and Agriculture Non-formal Education (FANE) program, E-Grow brings together experts from higher education and youth development to create a multifaceted learning experience. Using existing CEA and AgTech research, the project will identify workforce gaps and tailor educational materials to meet these needs.
Aiming for long-term impact
Designed with sustainability in mind, E-Grow will develop and refine an educational model over the next four years that can be scaled to other schools and states. Feedback from pilot schools will help ensure that the program meets accreditation standards, with a vision to expand into a national CEA workforce credentialing initiative.
Fore more information:
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR)
+ (434) 766-6700
[email protected]
www.ialr.org