September 06, 2013

Ag college to host 600 high school students Sept. 10

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The College of Agricultural Sciences expects more than 600 high school students to visit Southern Illinois University Carbondale next week during a Future Farmers of America (FFA) leadership conference.

The university hosts the Illinois FFA District V Greenhand Workshop and Chapter Officer Leadership Conference on Tuesday, Sept. 10.  High school students, particularly freshmen, from around the region who are interested in careers in agricultural industries will be on campus to learn more about SIU Carbondale, FFA and agriculture in general.

The university has a strong affiliation with Illinois FFA, with SIU Carbondale students leading many of the workshops.  Subjects range from livestock, horticulture, forestry, and soils to broadly applicable skills including leadership and personal growth.

High school students will also learn about i2i (Ideas to Investigation), the new College of Agricultural Sciences program that brings agricultural industry professionals into partnership with the University.

Most workshops will take place at the College of Agricultural Sciences Building and SIU Student Center.  Workshops will conclude at about 8 p.m.

Graduate student Christopher Clemons, an event organizer, said the event doubles as a recruiting opportunity for the university and the college.  Approaching students at the start of high school gives them a chance to begin planning their careers early and take advantage SIU Carbondale’s available opportunities.