MATTESON, ILLINOIS – Administrators of Rich Township High School (RTHS) hope a new pathway being offered to students at their STEM campus will generate an interest and potential careers in Agriculture.
RTHS presented their new Agricultural Science pathway to local leaders and representatives of the Farm Bureau where they highlighted the leadership and community opportunities for students inside and outside the classroom.
The Agricultural Science Pathway will utilize multiple spaces at RTHS’ STEM campus. Besides the classroom experience, students will also utilize an area of land to maintain vegetable production. In addition to vegetables, students will take care of various landscaped areas. The students in this pathway will also participate in the National FFA Organization (FFA) and the Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE).
“The potential for this program is endless. The Agricultural Science Pathway will have a positive
impact on the school district and surrounding communities,” said Jeff Bonomo, Director of Curriculum and Data for RTHS. “Students will gain experiences that include career readiness skills, record keeping, career exploration, employability skills, service learning, and entrepreneurship.”
“Moving forward I believe this new pathway will be a crucial component of education in the
southland,” said Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin who was in attendance of RTHS’ presentation.
RTHS has partnered with School District 163 in Park Forest as a way to provide early agricultural science opportunities to middle school students before they enter high school.
###