Central Carolina Community College recently issued the following announcement.
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) and Harnett County Schools (HCS) have partnered to begin the Harnett Agriculture Academy. CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman and HCS Superintendent Dr. Aaron L. Fleming signed the agreement on Wednesday, Feb. 23, in a ceremony held at Triton High School in Erwin, N.C.
The Academy works in conjunction with Career and College Promise, which provides seamless dual enrollment educational opportunities tuition-free for eligible North Carolina high school students in order to accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job skills.
The program will begin in Fall 2022 at Triton High School, where students who are concentrators in an Agriculture Education Pathway are eligible to enroll in the Harnett Agriculture Academy. Agriculture Education Career & Technical Education (CTE) Concentrators are students who have completed at least a level II CTE course, are involved in Future Farmers of America, and have an active Supervised Agricultural Experience.
The Academy will start with two pathways - Agribusiness and Animal Sciences. Additional pathways that begin in future years will include Ag Mechanics, Horticulture, and Natural Resources.
This program is ideal for students with an interest in continuing their studies beyond their level II Agriculture Education classes, pursuing post-secondary opportunities in agriculture programs of study, or joining the workforce in the agriculture industry.
Dr. Chapman says that agriculture continues to be a significant driver of our regional economy. "Ensuring that our local students who are interested in a career in agriculture have targeted resources and educational opportunities as early as possible directly supports the diverse needs of our agriculture workforce," said Dr. Chapman. "The Harnett Agriculture Academy is another example of the strong partnership between CCCC and Harnett County Schools that affords students a continuous educational pathway leading to a valuable career credential. I look forward to seeing the program development and future expansion."
Dr. Fleming notes: "Agriculture is the number one industry in Harnett County and North Carolina, and we need to ensure that the talent needed for future growth is available. The Harnett Agriculture Academy will provide students an opportunity to obtain a pathway to higher education that will produce the workers needed to grow the workforce for careers within the areas of food, fiber, and natural resources. I am pleased we are once again partnering with Central Carolina Community College to develop another first for Harnett County students. Our local agricultural heritage will only get stronger with this new partnership."
Among those attending the signing ceremony was Beth Farrell, Agricultural Programs Specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, who sent greetings from N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler. "Whatever pathway you take, you are part of the future of North Carolina agriculture in keeping it our state's No. 1 industry," Ms. Farrell said to Triton High School Future Farmers of America students attending the event. "I can't wait to see what you all accomplish ... Right now, there's probably more opportunity and need for people who know about agriculture than there has ever been at any time in the past."
Also attending the signing ceremony were CCCC and HCS officials and Harnett agriculture teachers. Other guests included Bob Gantt, Career & Technical Education Regional Coordinator at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, and W. Brooks Matthews, HCS Deputy Superintendent and who also is a member of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners.
Triton High School students and parents can learn more about this program by contacting Tracy Autry, Lead Career and College Advisor, at 910-897-8123 or tautr335@cccc.edu.
For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.
For more information on Harnett County Schools, visit www.harnett.k12.nc.us.
Original source can be found here.
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