Cornell University's Greenhouse Lighting and Systems Engineering (GLASE) consortium has announced that the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is investing in a GLASE workforce development initiative.
The Empowering Greenhouse Resiliency with an Optimized Workforce (E-GROW) project is designed to inspire and develop youth competency in agricultural technology (AgTech) and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). In partnership with seven project collaborators and ten middle and high schools across four U.S. states, E-GROW will launch a certificate program, preparing the next generation for careers in the rapidly evolving field of CEA.
Gretchen Schimelpfenig, Executive Director of GLASE said: "Young people are a solution to the greenhouse industry's labor challenges. CEA offers a vehicle for STEM education and presents an interesting career opportunity for youth to envision for themselves. GLASE is expanding our credible education and training model to serve learners entering the workforce development pipeline."
The project aims to bridge the gap between technology and agriculture, specifically focusing on automation in greenhouse climate control, robotics and AI for crop science, and energy and economic benchmarking of vertical farms. Through non-formal educational modules and experiential learning, E-GROW seeks to attract tech-savvy STEM students and foster a deeper understanding of AgTech in food production.
Manuela Zamora, Executive Director of NY Sun Works said: "It is imperative we provide educational opportunities that advance students' understanding of technologies, including in agriculture, that will create a more sustainable and resilient future."
Piloting the future workforce
Starting in ten schools across New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wyoming, E-GROW will reach between 500 and 1,000 students throughout the project. The program places a particular emphasis on engaging student populations traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields, including rural youth, low-income students, young women, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
Dr. Neil Mattson, Professor at Cornell University, adds, "GLASE and Cornell University are pleased to lead this interdisciplinary project to engage and develop the next generation of agriculture technology leaders. Whether or not a student ultimately pursues a career in CEA, we believe this project can be a useful springboard for getting students engaged in plant science, engineering, and computer science. We are also pleased with the school and academic partnerships this project brings together in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wyoming."
Crystal Huff, Director of AgWorks at CCA, a K through 12 public cyber charter school serving more than 30,000 students and their families throughout Pennsylvania said: "CCA is committed to ensuring that the 21st-century workforce has the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the growing needs and demands of our evolving agriculture industry."
As part of the pilot, students will work toward earning a CEA certificate, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to enter the growing AgTech industry. A mentoring network of industry professionals and academic experts will guide students through the program, providing hands-on learning opportunities and career insights.
Collaborative effort to drive innovation
Funded by the Food and Agriculture Non-formal Education (FANE) program, E-GROW brings together partners from higher education and youth development sectors to create a multi-faceted learning experience. The project will leverage existing research on CEA and AgTech to identify gaps in workforce development and education, tailoring learning materials to address these needs.
Ian Kanski, Director of the Center for Agricultural Research at the University of Harrisburg adds "CEA provides a unique 'living laboratory' for learners to experience and apply a broad set of science and technology disciplines, developing skills and interest in some the most important technical fields for the coming economy."
Students will engage in capstone projects, demonstrating their competencies and showcasing how AgTech can improve food production and support local economies. These projects, along with outreach materials, seek to build public confidence in CEA and AgTech by illustrating the tangible benefits of technology-driven food systems.
Aiming for long-term impact
The E-GROW initiative is designed with sustainability in mind. Over four years, project partners will develop and refine a scalable educational model that can be replicated across other schools and states. Feedback from pilot schools will help to ensure that the program meets accreditation standards and can grow into a national CEA workforce credentialing program.
For more information: 
Greenhouse Lighting & Systems Engineering - GLASE
glase.org