• Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA

AgrowKnowledge enhances the math, science, and technology content in agriculture, food, and natural resources programs with

• Outstanding faculty development workshops and webinars.
• Downloadable courses and other instructional materials in its Resource Clearinghouse.
• Industry and education collaborations.
• A national student organization (www.nationalpas.org) partnership.
• Job and internship listings in 7 career clusters.

PAS & AgrowKnowledge Prepare Students for High-Tech Jobs in Agriculture

The National Postsecondary Agricultural Student (PAS) Organization joined AgrowKnowledge as a partner in preparing students for careers in the increasingly technical field of agriculture. Seven hundred student members from 12 states attended the 2010 PAS Conference in St Louis, MO. These students represented 47 community and 4-year colleges. The conference included competitions in 17 career-related events known as Career Program Areas (CPAs) that prepare students for the workforce. Contestants were judged on knowledge, oral and written communication, problem solving, and interactive communication skills. More than 600 individuals and teams competed in 2010. With the new partnership between PAS and AgrowKnowledge, the CPAs will receive more math, science and technology emphasis. There are plans to add new CPAs on geospatial technology, biofuels, agricultural biotechnology, and food technology and safety.

AgrowKnowledge Partners with Industry to Prepare High-Tech Workforce

AgrowKnowledge works with its Industry Partner Council to identify employers’ needs, define skill requirements, and prepare students for careers in the evolving field of agriculture. In addition, 11 sponsors helped to make the National PAS Conference possible by providing $37,000 for cash awards to the winners of CPA competitions. Sponsorships also helped cover leadership training for the National PAS officers. Conference sponsors included Deere & Company, Firestone Agricultural Tire Division, Kuhn North America, Inc., Monsanto Company, Crop Production Services, The GSI Group Inc., Tractor Supply Company, Bimeda Inc., CHS Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Company, and The National FFA Alumni.

AgrowKnowledge Helps Students Connect With Employers

Students connect with career opportunities in agriculture, food, and natural resources through actual openings listed in the Career Clusters section of AgrowKnowledge’s Web site. Internships and jobs are posted there through AgCareers.com, another AgrowKnowledge partner. During 2010 this section of the center’s Web site received more than 3,200 views.