Industry-Recognized Credentials: Participants gain knowledge and skills to help prepare them to earn certifications that are highly valued in the agricultural industry, enhancing employability and career advancement opportunities.
Cost-Free Participation: Thanks to USDA NIFA funding, the program is entirely free for all participants. All instructional materials and license fees are fully covered by the grant.
Convenient Locations: Training modules are delivered directly to your students or community members. We bring the instruction to your school district or a community center near you, making it easier for everyone to participate.
Flexible Scheduling: Our training sessions are designed to accommodate the busy schedules of students and community members. We offer flexible scheduling options tailored to meet the specific needs of your group.
Available Scholarships Through the Ag REACH Program:
Grant funding through the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, students enrolled in the below courses will be awarded scholarships to pay for all tuition and fees associated with the course. Upon successful completion of the coursework, the grant will also pay for all costs associated with credentialing exams for Agriculture Commodity Tester, Commercial Pesticide Applicator, BASF Plant Science, and Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.
AGR 1000 Introduction to Agriculture $570 tuition + $31.50 course fees
AGR 1401 Introduction to Soils for Agronomic Production $570 tuition + $27 course fees
AGR 1402 Principles of Crop Management $570 tuition
AGR 1403 Principles of Nutrient Management $570 tuition
AGR 1404 Introduction to Integrated Pest Management $570 tuition
AVI 1000 Unmanned Aerial Systems $570 tuition
Total of $3,478.50
The Ohio Agricultural Commodity Tester Training Module provides students with valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to earn a professional credential in agricultural testing. Participants in the Ohio Agricultural Commodity Tester Training Module will learn proper techniques for collecting relative grain samples and evaluating them for dockage/harmful substances. They will also develop skills to inspect and analyze grain samples to determine test weight and moisture content.
- Eligibility: No minimum age requirement for students/community members to participate.
- Cost: All instructional costs and license fees are covered by the USDA NIFA funded Ag REACH grant.
- Instructional Hours: 5 classroom hours required
- Flexible Scheduling: Instructional hours can be structured to meet the specific needs of your students, with the most common format being a single day of instruction at your school district.
- Certification Exam: The Ohio Department of Agriculture proctored exam will be held at Rhodes State College, providing a convenient location for students to complete their certification.
- Alternative Graduation Credits: 12 credits
The Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator training module equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to become certified pesticide applicator. Participants will gain knowledge in several key areas: proper methods for scouting fields to monitor crop health, identifying levels of injury caused by pests and diseases, recognizing and classifying various weeds and pests, and safely mixing and loading pesticides. They will also learn to interpret pesticide labels and understand different formulations, acquire comprehensive knowledge of Ohio pesticide laws, and identify and implement effective pest management strategies.
- Eligibility: Students/community members must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
- Cost: All instructional costs and license fees are covered by the USDA NIFA funded Ag REACH grant.
- Instructional Hours: 15 classroom hours required
- Flexible Scheduling: Instructional hours can be structured to meet the specific needs of your students.
- Certification Exam: Select testing dates will be proctored by the Ohio Department of Agriculture at Rhodes State College.
- Alternative dates and locations for the exam are available at alternative locations.
- Alternative Graduation Credits: 12 Credits
The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Training Module at Rhodes State College provides comprehensive training for aspiring drone operators, covering essential knowledge and skills required to become a certified remote pilot. Participants in the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Training Module will gain a comprehensive understanding of the regulations governing drone use, along with fundamental skills for operating drones safely and effectively. They will learn guidelines and safety measures for flying drones over people, as well as acquire knowledge of different airspace types and their restrictions. The program also covers the impact of various weather conditions on drone performance, techniques for making informed and safe decisions during flight, and best practices for maintaining and inspecting drones to ensure they are flight-ready.
- Eligibility: Students/Community Members must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
- Cost: All instructional costs and license fees are covered by the USDA NIFA funded Ag REACH grant.
- Instructional Hours: 15 classroom hours required
- Flexible Scheduling: Instructional hours can be structured to meet the specific needs of your students.
- Certification Exam: Students/Community Members will be assisted in selecting a testing location most convenient to their location.
- Alternative Graduation Credits: 6 Credits
The BASF Plant Science Certification Training Module equips students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in various aspects of plant science. Participants in the BASF Plant Science Certification Training Module will gain a thorough understanding of plant anatomy, including the structure and function of different plant parts. They will also gain insights into essential plant processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration. The program explores the principles of genetics and their application in plant breeding and biotechnology. Students will learn techniques and practices for effective crop cultivation and management, identify common plant pests and understand their impact on crop health, and comprehend the role of fertilizers in plant growth and how to use them effectively. Additionally, participants will acquire knowledge about the safe and effective use of pesticides and herbicides in crop protection.
- Eligibility: No minimum age requirement for students/community members to participate.
- Cost: All instructional costs and license fees are covered by the USDA NIFA funded Ag REACH grant.
- Instructional Hours: Self-guided curriculum
- Flexible Scheduling: Fully online training module, can be self-taught or embedded into teacher’s current curriculum.
- Certification Exam: Exam can be taken online through the iCEV portal.
- Alternative Graduation Credits: 6 Credits
Danielle Banks
USDA Grant Project Director
Banks.D@rhodesstate.edu
419-995-8878