CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Representatives of the state agriculture and education departments, Kanawha County organizations and local leaders met Tuesday to discuss the benefits of having an agriculture education program as part of the Kanawha County Schools’ high school curriculum.
The West Virginia State University Extension Service hosted a forum Tuesday at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Charleston to speak about a possible initiative and benefits in Kanawha County.
According to Jason Hughes, assistant director of the state Department of Education’s Agriculture, Science and Natural Resources Cluster, students who take part in agriculture programs are more likely to graduate high school. He also said a school could apply for a grant worth up to $100,000 for starting a program.
Jeremy Brannon, AmeriCorps VISTA with West Virginia State University Extension Service, suggested putting the program at the new Herbert Hoover High School building, which could be open in the fall of 2021 at the earliest.
Clendenin Mayor Shana Clendenin said she is excited about the possibility of having the program in the Elk River community.
“I think it teaches work ethic,” she said. “It teaches life skills. It’s not just about growing something or making something; it’s about learning how to function in life.”
The only agriculture program in the Kanawha County Schools systems is at Carver Career Center, which offers high schoolers a 10-month pet grooming and plant systems program.