ACE Academy Students Tour Intergrow and Explore Careers in Agri-Business

GLOW Region High School Juniors Should Apply NOW for Next Year's Dynamic Program

Batavia, NY (05/04/2018) — 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.

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Editor's Note: For images from last week's Agri-Business Academy Tour at the Intergrow Greenhouses on Oak Orchard Road in Albion go to:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/AgriBusiness Academy Intergrow 2018Tour_1.jpg

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A video about the Agri-Business Academy, courtesy of GCC, is available at: https://www.genesee.edu/home/ace/career-pathways/agri-business-academy/

For images from Agri-Business events in 2017 go to:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/Agribusiness_Academy2017_1.jpg

Photo caption: Agri-business Academy student Cherie Glosser of Warsaw High School with calf at Post Dairy Farms.

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/Agribusiness_Academy2017_2.jpg

Photo caption: Agri-business Academy students at Torrey Farms, in Elba NY

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Photo caption: Agri-business Academy students at Porter Farms in Elba, NY

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Photo caption: Agri-business Academy students at SJ Starowitz Farm, in Byron NY

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