Students at the Agricultural Discovery Centre in Irvine pose with farm animals in this 2023 file photo. In an expansion of efforts made through the ADC, Prairie Rose Public Schools is hoping to launch South Alberta School of Agriculture, another in its growing list of student academies.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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Prairie Rose Public Schools is seeking support to expand its list of specialized academy offerings with the South Alberta School of Agriculture.
Expanding on work at the Irvine Agricultural Discovery Centre and similar agricultural programs, SASA would be aimed for students at the high school level with several different career pathways available within the academy.
PRPS made a presentation to Cypress County on Tuesday, requesting support in the form of a long-term lease of a large parcel of land in the extreme southeast 1-12-5-W4, and assistance building a preliminary building, as well as a contribution to getting services, utilities and road access to said building.
“Our vision is that we want to create a premier institution for agriculture education that equips students with knowledge, practical skills and the experience necessary to excel in the agriculture industry,” said Nichole Neubauer, a partner on the project and one of the minds behind the Irvine ADC. “For students in this region, we want to provide a really incredible learning opportunity for them, and to build the pathway that would allow them to see a future for themselves with a career in agriculture.”
SASA aims to provide the hands-on experience needed for youth to develop both the skills and appreciation for the industry needed to take the reins on the rich diversity of agricultural jobs that are needed to propel industry in southeastern Alberta.
PRPS proposed that the land use and building would be paid back via lease payment, while the aid with the services, utilities, site work and road work would be considered a contribution for the community at large. Both would be necessary for the project, as while funding from the government could be used for renovation of the needed building, it could not be used for initial construction, says superintendent Reagan Weeks.
The region needs something for students close to home and an academy increases the likelihood of youth remaining in the region, says Weeks.
The division estimates the program will likely see about 60 students directly in a year, with various pathways available in the academy. Those who stick with the program would earn dual credit and potential certification, which could be continued at a post-secondary level.
It was proposed that the facility would also be able to be used by members of the community for various purposes from a commercial kitchen to space for veterinary care, and opportunities for learning as well.
“We would love to see this become a hub of knowledge for not just students, but also for AG, professionals as well, so that we can continue to disseminate knowledge in such a way that we can be more productive as producers,” said Neubauer. “My vision is it’s not going to be busy from nine until three when kids are in school. It’ll be a buzzing hub of activity.”
The presentation was received by county council, with Coun. Dustin Vossler remarking that with multiple resolutions put forward over the years to put agriculture into classrooms, “if the government’s funding something like this, maybe our prayers have finally been answered on what we’ve been asking for for years. So I think this is a pretty interesting opportunity for us to consider.”
