Richland CC joins $9 million initiative to connect students to ag careers

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Richland Community College announced a new initiative with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS).

The $9-million initiative is a four-year program part of an agreement between the Community College Alliance for Agriculture (C2A3) and USDA-NRCS that will create a national agriculture center for two-year colleges and connect students to agriculture careers.

RCC, a founding member of the C2A3, said the alliance is a collaboration of nine schools across eight states that began eight years ago.

The $9-million investment will allow alliance members to expand and develop specific agriculture programs.

Jess Smithers, Director of Agriculture for RCC, told WAND News he sees the investments as a way to expand urban agriculture. In addition to expanding the horticulture program, RCC offers.

"This will allow us to build some raised beds or high tunnels," he explained. "We have an increased investment in urban agriculture and urban gardening."

RCC will also use the investment as an opportunity to provide opportunities for students outside of the classroom. Smithers explained the expanded consortium will also create internship opportunities and student leadership experiences that include real-life skills and networking with USDA employees. In addition, it will include travel expenses for faculty and students to attend an annual conference and gain practical experiences and knowledge to put to future use.

"We are in a new agriculture building, and so this provides some funds and opportunities to expand what that looks like outside these four building walls."

Currently, Richland Community College offers degrees and certificates in areas like agribusiness, crop production, and horticulture. The national ag education consortium will expand opportunities for students by encouraging applied research and outreach activities on college farms and urban agriculture facilities.

"We are thrilled to be part of this transformative initiative," said the president of Richland Community College, Cristobal "Cris" Valdez, Ed.D. "This collaboration not only reinforces Richland's commitment to advancing agriculture education but also paves the way for our students to connect with meaningful career pathways. Together, we aim to cultivate innovative solutions and practical skills that will empower the next generation of agricultural leaders."

In January 2024, RCC opened the Michael D. Andreas Agriculture Building.