New Sustainable Agriculture Program Designed to Support Region Set to Begin

Beginning this August, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (PHCC) is planning the start of its new certificate in Sustainable Hydroponic Agriculture and Rural Entrepreneurship (SHARE).

This certificate program can be completed in less than a year.

The SHARE program covers both traditional agribusiness and the emerging field of controlled environment agriculture. In partnership with Sandyvale Memorial Gardens and Conservancy, students will gain experience through both theory and practical hands-on application in a greenhouse using actual hydroponic equipment.

The college will use Sandyvale’s facility for both hydroponic and traditional greenhouse plant growth training.

“This partnership will provide Sandyvale with a more hands-on presence in the greenhouse to facilitate operations and make necessary improvements as needed, helping fulfill our mission of offering yet another educational programming initiative to the community,” said Ron Kabo, Sandyvale director of greenhouse operations.

The SHARE certificate consists of 10 classes (22 credits). Upon completion, graduates are ready for employment in various aspects of agribusiness industries.

“Students who train in this program will be experienced, confident, problem-solving individuals positioned for forward-thinking careers in alternative agricultural programs that will fulfill a predicted future need in feeding populations all over the world without having to deal with the impact of weather, insects, and soil conditions,” said Bill Horner, Sandyvale president. “They will be trained to produce food in a controlled environment, at a much faster pace, year-round and be able to predict harvest yields more precisely. Also, hopefully, this exposure at Sandyvale will stimulate student interest in supporting their communities, establishing a life-long habit of engagement wherever they reside.”

Carissa Itle-Westrick of Vale Wood Farms said, “Students [who] complete the SHARE program will have skills and knowledge that make them attractive candidates for employment within rural and agricultural businesses. Applicants that come to us having completed this training will have earned a spot at the top of our hiring list.”

Applicants are still being accepted for the College’s SHARE certificate program. Classes are set to start on the first day of the fall semester, Monday, Aug. 26.

Pennsylvania Highlands has six locations throughout the Southern Alleghenies region that serve residents of western Pennsylvania. PHCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

About PHCC

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has served more than 56,000 community members throughout the Southern Alleghenies and beyond. Offering over 35 degree, certificate, and diploma programs, Penn Highlands has the highest graduation rate of all community colleges in Pennsylvania. For more information, call (888) 385-PEAK or visit http://www.pennhighlands.edu.