Youth in southern Ohio stamped their ag career passports in April when they gained firsthand career and college readiness knowledge at Ag Career Exploration Day, hosted by Ohio State University Extension. More than 240 students from 13 school ag programs met with 4-H and ag professionals to learn about potential careers and opportunities.
Presenters representing businesses and organizations across the ag industry, 
including Cargill, Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Tractor Supply Company, talked with students. In addition to discussing their career interests, ag professionals shared the different education and training requirements associated with their field.
College admissions representatives from Ohio State ATI at the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Wooster campus, University of Rio Grande, and Hocking College were also available to meet with youth and discuss the admissions 
process.
“The Career Expo was an eye-opening experience for many of our students,” said Regina Kuhn, ag science teacher and FFA advisor at Green High School. “They were able to get out of the classroom and explore real-world educational and career opportunities in the agriculture industry in a relaxed and fun-filled environment. Thanks so much to Ohio State and their partners for inviting our students to this inaugural event!”
Jo Williams, event coordinator and Extension educator for 4-H in Scioto County, was excited by the turnout and is looking forward to improving and expanding the event in the future. “The teachers I spoke to were so happy to have an event that allowed their students to connect with actual industry professionals about careers. We are thankful for the Ohio 4-H Foundation’s support in making this event a reality for the youth in southern Ohio, and for all the ag professionals who gave their time to help educate our young people.”