BCTC to Celebrate Opening of New Leestown Aquaponics Center; New commercial-scale greenhouse will advance hands-on education, research and sustainable agriculture training

Published on Oct 7, 2026

LEXINGTON, KY — Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) will celebrate the opening of its new Leestown Aquaponics Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 8, at 4 p.m. at the BCTC Leestown Campus, 164 Opportunity Way, Lexington.

The new 1,500-square-foot commercial-scale greenhouse facility will provide BCTC students with hands-on learning experiences while creating new opportunities for research, workforce training, demonstrations and community engagement focused on aquaponics and sustainable food production.

The center was established through Driving AgTech Research and Education in Kentucky (DARE-KY), an aquaponics workforce development initiative funded by the National Science Foundation’s ERISE II program (Award #2416939), in partnership with Kentucky State University (KSU).

“The Leestown Aquaponics Center is an excellent example of how strategic partnerships and innovative programming can create meaningful educational opportunities,” said Dr. Greg Feeney, BCTC Chancellor. “We look forward to welcoming students, community members and industry partners to this facility as it becomes a hub for learning, discovery and engagement.”

Hands-On Learning Meets Innovation

Designed as a dedicated teaching and learning laboratory, the Aquaponics Center will give students the opportunity to work with a commercial-scale aquaponics system and gain practical experience with the science and technology behind sustainable food production.

Aquaponics combines aquaculture—the raising of fish—with hydroponics, the cultivation of plants in water rather than soil. Water circulates between the fish and plant production areas, allowing nutrients generated by the fish to support plant growth. The water is then recirculated through the system, creating an integrated growing environment that provides students with opportunities to explore areas such as fish production, plant science, water chemistry, environmental sustainability and system management.

“This facility creates a unique environment where students can take concepts they learn in the classroom and apply them through hands-on, experiential learning,” said Dr. Melanie Williamson, Dean of Innovation at BCTC. “The Aquaponics Center brings together science, technology, agriculture and sustainability in a way that encourages students to explore, experiment and problem-solve. Through our collaboration with KSU and DARE-KY, we are also creating opportunities to connect education with emerging technologies and workforce needs in Kentucky.”

The center will produce food fish, including tilapia, alongside a diverse selection of crops. Seasonal production will include leafy greens, culinary herbs and fruiting vegetables. Crop selections will evolve based on educational objectives, seasonal growing conditions and operational needs, giving students experience with different components of aquaponics production throughout the year.

A Resource for Students and the Community

Beyond its use as a student laboratory, BCTC plans to make the Leestown Aquaponics Center an educational resource for the broader community.

Future programming is expected to include guided tours, workshops, demonstrations and training sessions covering topics such as aquaponics fundamentals, fish and vegetable production, water quality management and sustainable growing practices. These activities will provide opportunities for students, educators, community organizations and others interested in agricultural technology to learn more about aquaponics and its applications.

The facility also expands opportunities for BCTC to introduce students to the intersection of agriculture, science and technology while supporting the College’s commitment to providing innovative, career-relevant educational experiences.

The public and media are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting celebration and learn more about the new facility.

Ribbon-Cutting Details

Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 4 p.m.
BCTC Leestown Campus
164 Opportunity Way
Lexington, KY 40511