New simulated learning experience will introduce thousands of students to careers across food systems, agricultural finance, crop production, and animal health

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The future of agriculture may begin with a fifth grader deciding whether to approve a farm loan, identifying a beneficial insect, evaluating livestock health, or tracing food from farm to table.

Kentucky State University’s Cooperative Extension Program opened the Urban Ag Discovery Center at Sam Swope JA BizTown® on Sept. 18, creating a hands-on experience that will allow thousands of students each year to explore the many careers connected to agriculture. All fifth-grade students from Luhr Elementary School took part in the kickoff and were among the first to bring the new space to life.

“As Kentucky’s only public HBCU and the Commonwealth’s 1890 land-grant university, Kentucky State has a special responsibility to take knowledge beyond our campus and put it to work in communities across Kentucky,” said Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, president of Kentucky State University, during the ribbon-cutting event.

“That is what Cooperative Extension does every day, and this center offers an exciting new expression of that mission. Through these experiences, students will discover that agriculture reaches into nearly every part of our lives. We hope each student discovers something here that captures their interest — and perhaps begins to imagine a future in agriculture.”

Sam Swope JA BizTown functions as a simulated community where elementary students manage businesses and help run a city. The program combines 12 teacher-led classroom sessions with a four-hour visit to JA BizTown. Available to students in fifth grade, the experience allows participants to operate businesses, write checks, manage money, and vote for mayor as they learn how citizens, workers, and consumers contribute to a community.

Developed under the leadership of Lynsey Crumbie, state specialist in agricultural entrepreneurship, the Urban Ag Discovery Center gives agriculture a dedicated place within BizTown’s simulated local economy. The curriculum centers on four professional roles that challenge students to solve problems, make decisions, and explore agricultural career pathways.

As chief executive officer/local food systems coordinator, students will examine how food moves through a community by studying crop seasonality, gathering market data, and exploring how farmers, businesses, and consumers are connected through the food supply chain. Students serving as certified public accountant/agricultural lender will process payroll, track business performance, review farm financial records, evaluate a farm loan request, and learn how access to capital supports agricultural businesses.

In the farmer role, students will compare hydroponic and traditional growing systems, survey community food preferences, and identify crop pests and beneficial insects. Students serving as veterinary medical officer will investigate livestock breeds, diseases, and nutrition and learn how animal health supports the food supply and products used in everyday life.

Crumbie’s educational background in public health helped shape the curriculum’s emphasis on the many disciplines that contribute to agriculture.

“I want every student who visits the Center to understand that agriculture is so much more than ‘digging in the dirt,’” Crumbie said. “Whether their interests lie in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the arts, business, health care, or skilled trades, there is a place for them in agriculture.”

“The future of agriculture will be shaped by people who bring diverse skills, fresh perspectives, and out-of-the-box ideas to the table,” she added. “I hope the Urban Ag Discovery Center helps students see themselves as part of that future, too.”

Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana has served the region since 1949, reaching more than 1.5 million students over its first 75 years. Its Louisville home, the James W. Robinson Junior Achievement Center for Freedom of Enterprise, opened in the early 2000s and houses Sam Swope JA BizTown®, Chase JA Finance Park®, and other hands-on programs.

Today, the organization serves more than 50,000 students annually in Kentucky and Indiana. More than 14,000 students and volunteers participate in JA BizTown each year.

“Together with Kentucky State University, we have created an engaging experience that helps students connect classroom learning to real-world careers while gaining a deeper understanding of agriculture’s impact on our communities and economy,” said Jennifer Helgeson, president of Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana. “We are excited to welcome our newest storefront to BizTown!”

Support for the center included a Community Investment Partnership grant from Farm Credit Mid-America, which has also partnered with Kentucky State on similar projects.

“Farm Credit Mid-America is dedicated to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders through strategic investments like this initiative,” said Marcus Tyler, customer resource manager at Farm Credit Mid-America. “By equipping students with strong financial and business knowledge while exposing them to career opportunities in agriculture, we can help build the skills, confidence, and professional networks they need to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to the future of agriculture.”

WEHR Constructors, Inc., provided in-kind construction services. Representatives from Farm Credit Mid-America, Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana, the University of Kentucky Food Connection, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture helped develop the curriculum. Kentucky State faculty and staff also contributed to making the center a reality.

This week, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture kicks off All in for Ag Education Week, and Kentucky State will host its fourth annual Ag Roundup Sept. 24-26. Both will give more young people and families opportunities to experience agriculture, meet the people working in it, and explore educational pathways.

“The Urban Ag Discovery Center is another strong example of Cooperative Extension’s ability to connect communities and create meaningful educational opportunities,” said Dr. Tyrell Kahan, associate extension administrator. “By bringing together partners from education, industry, and youth development, we are helping students build the confidence needed to become future leaders and informed community members.”

At the kickoff, Luhr students also received a special treat: pawpaw ice cream, a nod to Kentucky State’s national leadership in research on the native fruit and the University’s role in helping develop Pawpaw Ale-8-One.

“The ice cream is another delicious example of how agricultural research can lead to new products and entrepreneurial opportunities,” Dr. Akakpo said.