Harvesting Potential Summer Agriculture Program

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Program Overview

The Harvesting Potential Summer Agriculture Program is a residential summer experience designed to introduce male high school students to the wide range of career opportunities within the agriculture industry. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and immersive experiences, participants will explore modern agriculture, technology, sustainability, and agribusiness while developing leadership and career readiness skills.

The Harvesting Potential Summer Agriculture Program is a residential summer program for high school-aged males interested in learning more about agriculture, science, technology, and career pathways connected to the agricultural industry.

Students will be introduced to the many career opportunities available in agriculture through an engaging and immersive experience.

During the week, students will participate in:

Hands-on agricultural learning activities
Interactive workshops and classroom instruction
Field trips to farms, agribusinesses, and research facilities
Exposure to agricultural technology, including drones and modern farming practices
Mentorship from Kentucky State University faculty, staff, and industry professionals

The program is designed to expand awareness of agriculture as a dynamic field that includes science, business, technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

The program will be held from June 8–12, 2026. Students will reside on the campus of Kentucky State University. The Harvesting Potential Program is free of charge.

Program activities will take place:

On the KYSU campus
At university agricultural facilities and research locations
Throughout Central Kentucky through organized educational visits and experiences

The Harvesting Potential Summer Agriculture Program increases awareness, access, and participation in agricultural education and careers among young men. Agriculture remains one of the most important and fastest-evolving industries in the world, yet many students are unaware of the diverse opportunities available within the field.

The program provides early exposure to agriculture through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experiences that help students see themselves as future leaders in food systems, environmental sustainability, agribusiness, and agricultural technology. By connecting students to Kentucky State University’s land-grant mission and resources, the program strengthens pathways to higher education while helping develop the next generation of agricultural professionals and innovators.

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Contact Information

For more information, email: harvestingpotential@kysu.edu

Harvesting Potential Summer Agriculture Program Director
Malik Thompson

Principal Investigator
Jamaal Jackson, EdD.