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Ten high school students spent four days exploring North Carolina’s diverse agricultural industry during Piedmont Community College’s (º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù) annual Ag Across NC program, an immersive educational experience designed to introduce students to career opportunities in agriculture while showcasing the state’s rich agricultural landscape.

Throughout the trip, students visited NC State University’s Plant Sciences Building, the Western NC Farmers Market, the Marion State Fish Hatchery, and the Biltmore Estate’s agricultural operations. Along the way, they met farmers, researchers, educators and industry professionals who shared firsthand knowledge about careers in agriculture, agribusiness, food systems, sustainability and agricultural technology.

Students participated in tours, demonstrations and interactive learning experiences that connected classroom concepts with real-world applications. The experience gave them a broader understanding of the many career pathways available within the agricultural industry.

“The greatest part of this program is watching students discover opportunities they never knew existed,” Lucas Bernard, º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù agribusiness technology instructor, said. “Many of them arrive thinking agriculture only means farming, but they leave understanding that it includes science, technology, business, engineering, environmental stewardship and so much more. Seeing their excitement grow throughout the week reminds us why these experiences are so important.”

For many students, the transformation throughout the week was just as meaningful as the educational experiences themselves. Students who began the trip unsure of what to expect returned home excited to share what they had learned with their families. Their enthusiasm sparked conversations about future educational opportunities, with both students and parents asking how they could become more involved with º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù.

“Experiences like Ag Across NC expand students’ realm of opportunity,” Emily Buchanan, º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù provost of regional campuses and strategic initiatives, said. “By exposing students to new careers, new people and new ideas, they begin to see possibilities they may never have considered before. That’s exactly what we hope to accomplish.”

The Ag Across NC program is made possible through the collaborative efforts of faculty and staff across º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù and the generous support of the Piedmont Community College Foundation and the Womack Foundation.

º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù also extends its sincere appreciation to NC State University’s Plant Sciences Initiative, the Biltmore Estate, the Marion State Fish Hatchery, the Western NC Farmers Market, and the many farms, businesses, and agricultural professionals who welcomed students and helped create an unforgettable learning experience.

Through programs like Ag. Across NC, Piedmont Community College continues its commitment to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders by connecting students with meaningful educational experiences that inspire future careers and strengthen North Carolina’s agricultural workforce.