DARE-KY Programs, Research, and Education

DARE-KY Programs, Research, & Education

Aquaponics System

The workforce development (WFD) initiatives of DARE-KY are designed to create strong pipelines between research, education, and industry. Strong emphasis is placed on student training, faculty development, mentoring, and partnerships with employers to build a skilled soilless agriculture workforce.

 

Work-to-Learn Activities

  • Paid Research Positions: Undergraduate students at KSU, BCTC, UPIKE, and FoodChain will work as student research assistants.
  • Summer Research Program: This program is designed to engage high-school and early post-secondary students in soilless agriculture research. Students gain exposure to research methodology, industry-focused solutions, and career pathways in soilless agriculture.
  • Pre-College Engagement: Workshops, field trips, and mentorship programs at 25+ high schools, plus annual open houses rotating among consortium partners

Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)

  • A new RAP in soilless agriculture will be developed in coordination with the Kentucky Department of Workforce Development.
  • Competency-based training and placements will be coordinated by KSU, BCTC, and KSTC.
  • The RAP will provide entry points for non-traditional students and concentrate on developing a skilled SAT workforce in Kentucky

Integration with Existing Workforce Programs

  • Connection to Existing Programs: Builds on BCTC’s B-CELL program, which employs students in bioscience contract lab services and boasts a 95% placement rate into industry or 4-year programs.
  • Additional summer research and internship opportunities will be provided

Faculty and Mentoring Activities

  • Early-Career Development: Structured program across consortium institutions (KSU, BCTC, UPIKE, Bellarmine) with mentoring from senior faculty and support from UK and UofL.
  • Collaborative Partnerships: Technology exchange, seminars, and joint research collaborations are included to accelerate expertise and integrate applied research in soilless agriculture and related fields
  • Mentorship: Cross-level mentoring will connect students, junior researchers, early-career faculty, and senior faculty.
  • New Funding Opportunities: KSTC will also help junior/senior faculty identify new funding opportunities

Industry Partnerships

  • Strong collaborations with Kentucky AgTech companies (e.g., Kentucky Fresh Harvest and West Kentucky Aquaponics).
  • Industry partners, working with KSTC and the Industrial Advisory Board, will guide curriculum design, internships, apprenticeships, and collaborative research

 

Student harvesting aquaponics plants Processing aquaponic fish Genomics Lab