Rhodes State College receives two grants from the USDA and NSF

Two grants have been awarded to Rhodes State College by the US Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the National Science Foundation. These grants will go toward enhancing its Agriculture Technology and STEM-related programs.

In an article on Rhodes State College’s website, Dr. Cynthia E. Spiers, who serves as the President of Rhodes State College, is quoted as saying of the grants, “We are pleased that Rhodes State’s Innovative Ag Tech Program is the recipient of these two distinguished grants. We are excited to showcase the ways in which we are leading the way to change the industry of agriculture.” 

In a press release from earlier this year, Senator Sherrod Brown referenced the grants being awarded to Rhodes State College, saying, “We unleash more American innovation when we nurture Ohio talent. This award will help Rhodes State College students prepare for careers at good-paying, skilled jobs, and continue Ohio’s leadership in innovation.”

The grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which totals $600,000, is going to fund the college’s Ag REACH program. This program intends to help students earn industry credentials while taking a two-year associate’s degree program. It will also pull high school students to begin earning these credentials to continue fostering growth of the agriculture industry in the area.

As one of ten schools in the nation to receive this grant, Rhodes State College will be developing new workforce training programs, helping to foster interest in agriculture, offering more experiential and hands-on learning opportunities, and providing pathways for high school and college-level students to acquire industry credentials more easily.

The grant from the National Science Foundation is awarded to fund non-medical science and engineering programs. At Rhodes State College, this grant, which totals $526,765, will be put toward the new Grow with Rhodes Institute. It will be aimed at high school students who are interested in STEM and will help them gain college preparedness using the resources and instructors at Rhodes State College to continue fostering their interest in the field.

One of the overarching goals of Rhodes State College in receiving these grants is to be able to offer expanded industry credentials and certifications to its students, including Commercial Pesticide Applicator, Agriculture Commodity Tester, BASF plant science, Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, and Fanuc Robot Operator 1 certification.

The grant funds will be put to use over the next three years.

For more information about Rhodes State College, visit the school’s website.