Agriculture and education were recently discussed at the Kirkwood Washington Regional Center. On October 3rd, the Washington County Regional Center hosted the Washington County Leadership Council (CLC) annual meeting. 

Regional Center Director Tera Pickens welcomed 34 attendees representing local government, education, and business. Pickens highlighted the growing impact in Washington County through local programming, including College Credit in High School (CCHS), Continuing Education, ESL and Adult Literacy, and other programs. During the 24-25 year, 550 students utilized the CCHS program. Those high school students earned 5,131 credit hours, and that resulted in a tuition cost savings of just over $1.1-million for Washington County families. 

A focus of the meeting was Kirkwood’s Agricultural Sciences programming. Dean of Agricultural Sciences and Hospitality Arts Brad Kinsinger presented an overview of main campus ag-related programs and gave a virtual tour of the Ag Science facilities. 

He gave examples of how Kirkwood blends practical learning with community collaboration, and that in turn connects classroom learning with real-world experience. The discussion continued with updates on the Agricultural Sciences Academy which is exclusive to Washington County, and area Workplace Learning Connection internships and job shadows, representing partnerships with 52 businesses and 39 ag-related student placements.