A new study from Purdue University and USDA/NIFA found that each year, the U.S. has a projected 44,232 more jobs in food, agriculture, and natural resources sciences than there are college graduates in these fields to fill the roles.
With employer demand for skilled talent continuing to outpace supply, programs that provide hands‑on training and real‑world experience are more important than ever. Through Cooperative Extension and targeted workforce initiatives, land‑grant institutions strengthen education‑to‑career pathways by equipping participants with the skills, certifications, and connections needed to meet workforce demands and support thriving communities.
Featured photo courtesy of Alyssa Hardaway/Oklahoma State University.
Ag Roundup inspires the next generation of agriculture and STEM leaders
Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program
Primary Funding Sources: 1890 Extension Capacity Funds.
The Ag Roundup advances Kentucky State University’s land-grant mission by connecting youth, families, educators, and communities to agriculture and STEM education. By inspiring students, strengthening workforce pipelines, and honoring the legacy of 1890 institutions, the event supports long-term economic development, workforce sustainability, and community resilience across the Commonwealth—benefiting not only participants, but Kentucky’s agricultural future as a whole.
Engaging students in precision livestock
SDSU Extension
Primary Funding Source: Smith-Lever (3b&c) Capacity Funds.
Society is becoming less connected to agriculture and the processes involved in producing our food. To address this gap, SDSU Extension hosted a Precision Livestock Technology Field Day engaging about 70 high school students—many from non-agricultural backgrounds—in modern livestock production. Students explored drones, virtual fencing, stream health, and beef product applications, building understanding of food systems, natural resource management, and diverse careers in agriculture, data science, and engineering while inspiring future agricultural professionals.
TRWA PathFinderU workforce development initiative
Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program
Primary Funding Source: 1890 Extension Capacity Funds.
The PathFinderU initiative, launched by Prairie View A&M University’s Extension Program through The Rural Workforce Academy (TRWA), effectively addressed critical workforce shortages in rural Texas by providing high-demand technical training and industry-recognized certifications to underserved populations. Beyond measurable outcomes, the program strengthened economic mobility, improved essential soft skills, and established best practices in workforce development, ultimately expanding career access and enhancing regional workforce readiness across rural communities.
WVU Extension builds youth workforce preparedness to meet critical emergency response needs in West Virginia
West Virginia University Extension Service
Primary Funding Sources: State Appropriations and Smith-Lever (3b&c) Capacity Funds.
By preparing youth for careers in the fire service and emergency response, this program strengthens the future workforce and ensures West Virginia communities have access to skilled, committed responders. The long-term public value includes improved public safety, expanded career pathways for young people, and stronger community resilience across West Virginia.
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