Building A Model Experiential-based Agricultural Food Safety Program For The 21st Century

This project aims to develop a model program for enhancing community viability through connecting STEM education in agriculture, career exploration, and local workforce development. The proposed project will serve as a catalyst for innovation in developing cooperative linkages between secondary schools, two-year postsecondary institutions, and local agriculture industry partners and will be of widespread interest to those interested in developing similar programs in any area of the agriculture industry. Specific objectives are:1. Develop an agricultural food safety internship program with capstone experience for students at Carroll County High School2. Revise biotechnology courses at Carroll County High School to utilize the STEM Lab for Agriculture, have a food safety emphasis, and align with new food safety programs at Wytheville Community College3. Establish agricultural food safety degree and certification programs at Wytheville Community College4. Strengthen cooperative linkages
between partner institutions, the Virginia Tech Food Science Department, and businesses to create multiple pathways into the agricultural food safety industry for students in Carroll County