3 Alternative Experiential Learning Resources for Agriculture Students

Going to college, many students hope to gain practical experience in their field. One way of achieving this goal is by taking part in experiential learning, which consists of internships, co-ops, research, clinical, part-time jobs, and more. Many students are not familiar with the term experiential learning but can learn more about it on the Center of Career Development website and UConn’s research opportunities. Below are some examples of alternative experiential learning experiences specifically for the Agriculture, Food, and the Environment Career Community.

Urban Agriculture Certificate

Are you a student interested in urban crop production? Purdue University offers a fully virtual certificate program giving in-depth coursework about how farm design through harvest techniques impacts urban crop production. To receive the urban agriculture certification, the student must complete four courses: Roadmap for Strong Roots, Agricultural Site Design & Soil Health, Site Assessment for Fertile Ground, and Growing Guide for Healthy Crops. Each course must be completed within 60 days but is taught asynchronously and can be done from anywhere! For students seeking to become agricultural project leaders, community garden organizers, market farmers, and more, this program is meant for you.

To learn more about the urban agriculture certificate, click here.

Environmental Challenge International (ECi) Competition

This June 2021, The Air & Waste Management Association is hosting an Environmental Challenge Competition to give students in the environmental field a chance to apply their education to a simulated environmental problem based on real-world climate issues. Teams will use critical thinking and problem solving to address concerns related to the environment, energy, government, transportation, and health. The competition is completely virtual, allowing student teams to compete from all over the world. Students will enter the competition in groups of 3 to 5 and present to environmental professionals to win cash prizes and gain professional experience working and presenting in a team. 

To learn more about the Environmental Challenge International (ECi) Competition, click here.

Catamount Farm Summer Experience

The Catamount Education Farm at the University of Vermont offers online farm-based courses for this summer of 2021. The Catamount Farm is an example of community-supported agriculture that displays a commitment between farmers and community members to provide fresh and healthy produce. Courses are offered in various areas, including Permaculture, Fundamentals of Soil Science, and Hands-On Beekeeping.

To learn more about the Catamount Farm Summer Experience, click here.

To explore more alternative experiential learning experiences, schedule a meeting with a Center for Career Development Career Coach on Handshake!

Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

By Lisa Martelli
Lisa Martelli