Agriculture in the City is a state funded program which teaches agriculture education to students in city schools. This program is being piloted in one high school and one elementary in Cleveland and Cincinnati. The schools implementing this program have started to see some tremendous results. Agriculture is a huge industry in the state and the values instilled in members of 4-H and the FFA are important to Ohio’s youth.

Agriculture in the City uses the 4H and FFA programs to help instill leadership, nurture potential, and provide agriculture education. Leadership, communication, and a love for education will enrich these students for their entire lives. These programs also instill the values of hard work and charity into the future leaders of Ohio. These programs are essential to preparing students to fill the open jobs in the food processing industry.

East Tech High School, one of the pilot high schools for Agriculture in the City is experiencing tremendous success. The school’s graduation rate has positively shifted by 26.9 percent. The graduation rate went from a dismal 46 percent to a stellar 72.9 percent. While a shift this large is due to multiple factors, one of them most certainly was Agriculture in the City. This program has helped to bring about a culture of excitement at East Tech, which is helping to spur graduation rates.

Just last month, FFA students from East Tech came to visit the Ohio Statehouse to promote Agriculture week. These students got to meet an advocate for the Ohio Soy Bean Association. They also meet with legislators and staff to provide information on the state of agriculture in Ohio. Legislators were impressed with the students’ sharpness, preparation, and sense of pride in what they were doing.

The young people taking a part in Agriculture in the City are changing the future of inner city education. Something special happens when a student can envision the outcome of their education. Thanks to Agriculture in the City these outcomes are looking bright and Ohio’s future is looking even brighter.

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This undated photo provided by the Ohio House of Representatives shows Rep. Jim Buchy. he Ohio House is expected to consider a bill that would shield the names of companies that provide the state with lethal injection drugs. Buchy is one of the bills sponsors. The bill is among several the House planned to vote on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 as lawmakers finish work for the two-year legislative session. The Senate passed it last week. (AP Photo/Ohio House of Representatives)

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2016/04/web1_18f02dca703f7e31680f6a7067004435CMYK-3.jpgThis undated photo provided by the Ohio House of Representatives shows Rep. Jim Buchy. he Ohio House is expected to consider a bill that would shield the names of companies that provide the state with lethal injection drugs. Buchy is one of the bills sponsors. The bill is among several the House planned to vote on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 as lawmakers finish work for the two-year legislative session. The Senate passed it last week. (AP Photo/Ohio House of Representatives)