STEM Grant Provides Opportunities At SCCC/ATS

Would you like to consider a career as a conservationist or agricultural scientist? Would you like to enhance the quality of the environment and its natural resources? Would you like to make efficient use of non-renewable resources and help sustain the future of agriculture?
As part of a $4.163 million federal grant to enhance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) components, Seward County Community College/Area Technical School will begin a Sustainable Agriculture Resources degree program in August.
Sustainable Ag Resources requires both indoor and outdoor facilities, including a 4,200-square foot expansion of the Agricultural Building, two greenhouses, a classroom and two four-acre plant-growing areas.
The college will offer a two-year associate in applied science degree with specialization in soil science or plant/crop science or an associate in science degree with a Sustainable Agriculture Resources emphasis.
Agricultural classes will include Crop Science, Soils, Horticulture, Farm and Ranch Management, Agricultural Chemicals, Agricultural Chemical Application, Plant Pest Control and Research Practicum. Science courses will include Principles of Biology, General Botany, Earth Science and General Chemistry.
The program will also include internships for college students and summer programs for high school students beginning in 2013. The SAR emphasis will directly link with a bachelor’s degree program at either Kansas State University or Fort Hays State University. The college is exploring articulation agreements with other institutions as well.
“We recognize that the agriculture and energy industries are the primary economic aspects of our region,” said Dr. Duane Dunn, SCCC/ATS president. “The new grant along with the federal grant we received last year to implement energy-related programs in corrosion technology and process technology will help serve those key factors in our economy.”
SCCC/ATS is eligible for the grant as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that services a 31 percent Hispanic population.