By Andi Anderson
Ivy Tech Terre Haute recently hosted its annual Agriculture and Engineering Challenge, an event designed to engage high school students in exploring career paths within agriculture and engineering.
The event drew over 500 students from the local area, providing hands-on experiences and a look into Ivy Tech’s programs and facilities. With the generous support of a $10,000 donation from Duke Energy, the challenge featured an array of competitions and activities that allowed students to test their skills and learn about the industry.
The event began with a Community Agriculture Leaders Breakfast, where guest speaker Ted McKinney, former USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, welcomed participants and local agriculture professionals.
The breakfast set the stage for a full day of exploration and competition, fostering excitement around opportunities in agriculture and engineering.
Hosted by Ivy Tech’s School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science, the challenge aimed to showcase the College’s programs in these fields. Students took part in a series of competitions, including agriculture sales, horticulture, biotechnology, drones, livestock management, coding, and more.
Each activity allowed participants to explore career possibilities and gain insight into Ivy Tech’s educational offerings in agriculture, engineering, and manufacturing.
“This event gives students a hands-on experience in agriculture and engineering, sparking curiosity and potential career paths in these fields,” said David Will, Dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science. “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for students and are grateful for Duke Energy’s commitment to supporting education and workforce development.”
Additional sponsors of the event included Novelis, CenterPoint Energy, Bane-Welker Equipment, ZF, Keystone Cooperative, Terre Haute Regional Airport, Farm Credit, Elanco, The Equity, WorkOne Western Indiana, IBEW Local 725, Corteva Agriscience, Steel Dynamics, Inc., and Beck’s Hybrids.
Students interested in pursuing studies in agriculture, manufacturing, or engineering are encouraged to visit ivytech.edu/terrehaute to learn more about available programs.
Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities or collaborating with Ivy Tech students can reach out to the Terre Haute Foundation at terrehaute-foundation@ivytech.edu or call 812-298-2256.
Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels
Categories: Indiana, Education, General