Two South Carolina agencies joined together to train and prepare the next generation of leaders in agriculture. A memorandum of agreement was signed between SC State University 1890 Research & Extension and the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe on Wednesday, September 22 on the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture campus in McCormick, SC.

“This is a pivotal and historical event connecting two of South Carolina’s oldest ag education institutions," said Tim Keown, president of the SC Governor's School for Agriculture. "Our wish is that this Memorandum of Agreement strengthens agriculture education for not only the students here, but multi-generations of students to come.”
The agreement between the two agencies involves SC State procuring and installing a high wind tunnel for teaching year-round production and vertical farming towers on the Governor’s School campus. Additionally, a summer immersion ag camp with an emphasis on STEM will be held on the campus. The camp will be made available to limited resources youth to participate. Extension agents from the Upstate, Piedmont, and Low Country SC State 1890 Extension regions will provide instruction.

"This is something I've been waiting on for a long time," said Hugh Bland, chairman of the SC Governor's School for Agriculture Board of Trustees. "I think SC State 1890 is the perfect marriage between John de la Howe to develop to prepare these young people for some unbelievable opportunities in ag. Through this partnership, I believe we will prepare these students to have heart, skill, and pride in the field of agriculture.

The SC Governor’s School for Agriculture, a residential high school, is the first statewide program of its kind in the nation for which students, grades 10th-12th, receive hands-on training in the fields of agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, land management, food science, and more. Among the audience, sat 61 current students of the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture. Student body president and senior, Jason Connors of Lancaster, SC, stated in his reflection, “The biggest thing on this campus is the atmosphere. Every student here is a part of my family. I have the utmost respect for this institution, and I am proud to call myself an Aggie.”

"I am confident that the future of ag is right here at the SC Governor's School for Agriculture," said Dr. Louis Whitesides, vice president, and executive director of SC State 1890 Research & Extension. "These students already have an advantage by expressing an interest in agriculture at this premier institution. Through this partnership, we are helping to prepare these students for a promising career in agriculture by exposing them to potential opportunities not only through theory but through experiential hands-on learning."

SC State 1890 serves as the primary outreach arm of the university and delivers research-based programs and solutions in agriculture, natural resources and conservation, youth development, food safety and security, family health and nutrition, community and economic development and education, innovation, and support.
"I feel John de la Howe and SC State 1890 have something in common. We are trying to build stronger relationships that help to advance our mission," said Greg Thompson, principal of the SC Governor's School for Agriculture. "Bringing the ag program to life is a huge step to keeping us on track and developing innovative opportunities in the field of agriculture."

In July 2021, SC State University announced the establishment of a College of Agriculture and Family & Consumer Sciences at the university. By collaborating with SC State 1890 Research & Extension, the new college will offer agriculture and ag-related degrees and programs, manage a robust research portfolio, while also integrating life-enhancing public service activities.

The SC Governor’s School for Agriculture is currently accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Students in grades 10th – 12th from South Carolina and surrounding states are eligible to apply. The school provides a challenging academic program that enhances students’ knowledge and experience in the field of agriculture and meets the requirements for a high school diploma in South Carolina. To apply, visit www.delahowe.sc.gov/admissions.