STAFF REPORTS
BATAVIA, N.Y. — Commonly referred to as the GLOW region,
Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties have celebrated
agriculture as its number one industry driving the local economy for the
past two centuries. As the demands of that industry continue to change,
today’s agricultural businesses need dependable, hard-working
professionals with college degrees, technology and management
experience, as well as business and communication skills.
The
Agri-Business Academy offered through a partnership between Genesee
Community College and the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP)
is a one-year program designed to expose high school seniors to the many
career options available in today’s agri-business industry. The
academic year is comprised of classroom learning, critical on-site
internships, job-shadowing and as the photos of last week’s tour of the
Intergrow Greenhouses Inc. indicates – many dynamic site visits to local
agri-businesses that are often seeking for talented employees.
“The
Agri-Business Academy is a significant jump start to numerous career
options in our region and beyond,” Deborah Dunlevy, ACE Programs Career
Pathways project director said. “Perhaps the most rewarding learning
comes from the internships, job shadowing and site visits. Being
immersed in the field gives them the experiences that will put them at
the top of the job candidate list.”
Agri-Business Academy
students earn 15 college credits applicable to a wide variety of college
degrees and careers through its unique combination of business and
community involvement, work-based experience, and a foundation in
agri-business learning. Interested students should contact ACE Programs
Career Pathways Project Director Deborah Dunlevy at (585) 343- 0055 ext.
6316 or via email at dkdunlevy@gensee.edu before the end of the school
year.
Agri-Business Academy students receive a substantial
college tuition discount and pay only $55 per credit hour, which is
roughly one-third of GCC’s regular tuition rate for the same courses!
Also, as a GCC enrolled student, these individuals have GCC IDs with
access to the College’s facilities including computer labs, athletic
facilities, library resources and databases, as well as a GCC email
account to communicate with professors and fellow students.
During
the academic year, Agri-Business Academy students take five college
courses for a total of 15 college credits; Western NY Agriculture
(AGR101), Career and Educational Planning (CEP101), Public Speaking
(SPE108), Principles of Biology (BIO101) and Principles of Business
(BUS101). These courses provide a foundation for a number of two and
four-year degree programs and many professional careers ranging from
Agricultural Journalism and Bioengineering to Energy Technology and Farm
Management, Food Science, Supply Chain Management and so many more!
Additional information is available at
https://www.genesee.edu/assets/file/ace/techprep/AgribusinessAcademyBrochure.pdf.
Agri-Business
Academy eligibility requires high school seniors to have maintained an
80% or higher overall grade average for the first three years of high
school, demonstrated exemplary attendance and a proficiency in reading
and writing. They must also possess the responsibility to work
independently and with a team.
Applications for the
Agri-Business Academy are available at:
https://www.genesee.edu/assets/file/ace/techprep/Application_Agribusiness_Academy.pdf.
To obtain more information, contact ACE Programs Career Pathways
Project Director Deborah Dunlevy at (585) 343- 0055 ext. 6316 or via
email at dkdunlevy@gensee.edu or Agri-Business Academy and GCC Adjunct
Instructor Kerri Richardson at (585) 344-7783 or via email at
krichardson3@gvboces.org. Applications are free and are being accepted
now.
