A major boost for agricultural education is coming to rural Okaloosa County as the local public schools foundation secures a $100,000 grant to prepare students for careers in agriculture.
- The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, partnering with The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, has awarded the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation the six-figure sum through its new Career Catalyst initiative.
The grant will fund the “Growing Laurel Hill” program, designed to create hands-on agricultural career pathways for students.
The program will serve 150 students, with 69% qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch, offering hands-on experiences in horticulture, Agri-Technology, greenhouses, aquaponics systems, and internships.
“The ‘Growing Laurel Hill’ program is a shining example of how we can create meaningful career pathways for our students,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “This grant will provide them hands-on learning experiences, industry skills, and real-world opportunities to shape their futures.”
The Career Catalyst initiative specifically targets rural, underserved areas, funding innovative Career and Technical Education programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage jobs. The Okaloosa proposal was selected from among 13 applicants.
- Mary Chance, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, said: “The Growing Laurel Hill Academy is exactly the type of initiative that we hope to foster through our Career Catalyst program. We’re excited to see how local industry and community leaders have rallied around this effort.”
Additional funding includes $50,000 already secured from the Farm Bureau and a pending $100,000 from Yellow River Soil and Water Conservation. The USDA and local businesses are also supporting the initiative, which is set to launch in the 2025-2026 school year.
Assistant Superintendent John Spolski noted the program demonstrates what can be achieved through community partnerships, equipping students with skills for Florida’s evolving agricultural landscape.
The collaboration between public and private entities aims to ensure the program’s long-term success and sustainability while creating career opportunities in high-demand fields.
