OREGON, Ill. –  Over 70 high school students attended the Ag Career Exploration Fair on Nov. 9 in Oregon. Students met with and asked questions to college recruiters and business representatives who focus on studies and careers in the agricultural field. Colleges shared information on the many majors in agriculture and what it takes to get a degree. Agriculture-related employers had representatives there to offer career knowledge and discuss the skills needed to perform specific jobs.

High schools that participated were from Oregon, Ashton-Franklin Center, Stillman Valley, and Rochelle. Colleges, universities, and businesses that were on hand for the students were Blackhawk College East Campus, Highland Community College, Kishwaukee College, Joliet Junior College, Sauk Valley Community College, Universal Technical Institute, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Western Illinois University, WyoTech, Compeer Financial, and Etnyre.

Melinda Colbert, University of Illinois Extension Ag in the Classroom Program Coordinator, said, “The target audience is high school students, and sometimes ag teachers or guidance counselors bring the students. The home school population that attends continues to grow, along with students that come with their parents.” The event was free and open to the public.

Ag in the Classroom is offered through the University of Illinois Extension in partnership with Ogle County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Ogle County Soil & Water, and Carroll County Soil & Water.