Eighth graders explore agriculture at NCTA

Sept. 23, 2016

By NCTA News Service                                                     

Curtis, Neb. - Eighth graders at North Platte’s Adams Middle School might consider agricultural professions in welding, animal science, crops, agribusiness management or veterinary science after a glimpse into their futures.

Sixty students and four administrators visited the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture last Tuesday to learn about career opportunities in areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

“It was a pleasure to host the Adams Middle School Engage class this week.  It was exciting to have our Agricultural Education students work with the middle school students to learn more about NCTA and how we can help facilitate their future in agriculture,” said Tina Smith, NCTA recruitment coordinator, a Texas native who studied Animal Science and Speech Communications in college.

While on campus, the 8^th graders explored agribusiness management, veterinary technology, agronomy and animal science.

NCTA students shared what they are learning in four venues. At an indoor arena, Aggie students exercised horses in the advanced equitation class, while veterinary technology students were studying animal anatomy by identifying skeletons and bones in the anatomy lab.

Meanwhile, in the ag mechanics laboratory the students in Welding I were fusion welding with oxygen-acetylene torches. Agribusiness management programs were also showcased in the sessions.

Agricultural education majors at NCTA provided the tours and presentations, Smith said.  The ag students are completing their second year of coursework at NCTA and will transfer in 2017 to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to complete their student teaching and degrees.

“To round out our day, all students enjoyed an ice cream sandwich as they heard from Brenda Aufdenkamp on how they can become involved in STEM programs today through Lincoln County 4-H,” Smith added.

NCTA will host a “Discovery Day” for prospective students who are exploring their options for college on Monday, Oct. 10.  For more information or to register, see http://ncta.unl.edu/discovery-days or call Tina Smith at 1-800-3-CURTIS.

#   #   #

Source:  Tina Smith, NCTA Admissions and Recruiting coordinator, tsmith2@unl.edu

Writer:  Mary Crawford, NCTA News, 308-367-5231, Mcrawford@unl.edu