BCTC partners with the University of Kentucky to fulfill AgriProspects Grant Initiatives

Published on Nov 7, 2024

Lexington, KY – Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) partners with the University of Kentucky (UK) to help fulfill the initiatives in the newly awarded AgriProspects grant.  

Kentucky's specialty crop industry has seen significant growth, with approximately 14,000 acres cultivated across over 5,200 farms. Despite this increase, the workforce largely consists of non-white or Latinx individuals who are often unskilled, non-English speaking, and low-literate. A 2024 survey revealed that many farm workers lack access to essential training resources in areas such as pest management and food safety, especially those requiring materials in Spanish.

There is also a shortage of trained professionals in the agricultural sector, including roles in technology, communications, and specialized sciences. As agriculture evolves with new technologies, the workforce must adapt to meet diverse stakeholder needs, necessitating multi-language resources.

BCTC is positioned to address these gaps, offering relevant programs in fields like computer science and digital design, but lacks an agricultural program. Most students are part-time or non-traditional and often seek internships, yet they remain disconnected from agricultural career pathways. BCTC supports minority retention through various initiatives, but further development of agricultural-focused programs is needed to better prepare students for opportunities in this growing sector.

“The objective of this project is to improve specialty crop agriculture by tackling workforce shortages, especially among minority and underrepresented groups,” stated Dr. Carlous Yates, VP for Culture and Engagement. “Our interest in this STEM field was sparked during the Few Good Men ‘Real Talk’ session. Students engaged in a hands-on plant science project that boosted their enthusiasm. Collaborations like these can open doors to impactful careers in agriculture and help create a stronger workforce.”

“The AgriProspect Grant awarded to the University of Kentucky will enhance our partnership aimed at addressing workforce gaps,” said Dr. Greg Feeney, BCTC President/CEO. “The various objectives outlined in the grant outcomes present BCTC students with opportunities to engage with agriculture in ways that benefit them personally while also educating them on how crops and livestock meet the food demands of a growing population. This collaboration with the University of Kentucky is unique and has the potential to create further opportunities with other four-year institutions,” Feeney added.

This project is the first of its kind in plant science, focusing on both farm worker resources and the integration of minority professionals. It aims to serve as a model for similar initiatives across universities and disciplines, promoting a more inclusive and skilled agricultural workforce.

For more information about the collaboration please contact Dr. Carlous Yates at carlous.yates@kctcs.edu.