A new program in Hall County will let high school students who are interested in agriculture take college classes at the University of Georgia (UGA).
The Hall County School District announced on Monday a new partnership with UGA that will let rising seniors get college credits. Students can apply to participate in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Ivester Rising Scholars Program (CAES-IRSP), which will allow students to take UGA courses through the Howard E. Ivester Early College.
The Howard E. Ivester Early College is a campus in the Hall County School District that specifically focuses on dual enrollment for high school students who are academically ready. The campus provides students an opportunity to earn a high school diploma while also earning college credits.
The first three students are already participating in the current semester of UGA classes. When classes started back up for UGA students, Walker Barrett (East Hall), Ayden Plumlee (Cherokee Bluff) and Chloe Mootz (Flowery Branch) were amongst them, studying Introductory Regenerative Bioscience and Animals in Society. The three students applied last spring to the program. Hall County Schools has committed to providing the transportation for the students.
A signing ceremony between UGA, CAES and the Hall County School District took place on Monday afternoon. School board members, as well as representatives from the Ivester Foundation were present, as well.
“We are proud of our six-year relationship with our current college partners: Brenau University, Lanier Technical College, and the University of North Georgia,” said Ivester Dean of Students, Michele Hood. “Now, we are excited to partner and begin a new journey with the University of Georgia.”
The program is hopeful more students will be attracted to the field of agriculture, which is the leading industry for the state of Georgia. “Almost one half of Georgia’s economy depends on agriculture,” said Superintendent Will Schofield. “We need to do more to expose students to the career opportunities that exist in this critical area. Our venture with UGA and the Ivester Foundation is an exciting opportunity that has the potential to change lives and strengthen the economy of the great state of Georgia. We are grateful for the partnership.”
During the signing ceremony, The Ivester Foundation presented a check of $100,000 to the new program. A private business owner also donated $50,000 to the new program.
