Empowering Greenhouse Resiliency with an Optimized Workforce

(E-GROW)

Shaping Tomorrow’s Greenhouse Innovators

The Empowering Greenhouse Resiliency with an Optimized Workforce (E-GROW) project is transforming the future of education and workforce development in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Designed to inspire and equip middle and high school students, E-GROW will combine cutting-edge online modules, hands-on learning, and industry mentorship to prepare the next generation of STEM leaders for careers in high-tech greenhouse systems. By bridging education gaps and focusing on underrepresented communities, this initiative fosters a skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for sustainable food production technologies.

Funded by the Food and Agriculture Non-formal Education (FANE) program in 2024, E-GROW brings together partners from higher education and youth development sectors to create a multi-faceted learning experience, with $750,000 in funding provided towards the initiative.

Aiming for Long-Term Impact:

The E-GROW initiative is designed with sustainability in mind. Over four years, project partners will develop and refine a scalable educational model that can be replicated across other schools and states. Feedback from pilot schools will help to ensure that the program meets accreditation standards and can grow into a national CEA workforce credentialing program.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where will the E-GROW project be implemented?

The project will start in pilot schools across New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wyoming. E-GROW will reach between 500 and 1,000 students throughout the project. The program places a particular emphasis on engaging student populations traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields, including rural youth, low-income students, young women, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

What topics will the curriculum cover?

The E-GROW project will develop educational programming tailored to the specific needs of each pilot school, which may vary from state to state.

The project aims to bridge the gap between technology and agriculture, focusing on topics such as automation in greenhouse climate control, robotics and AI for crop science, and energy and economic benchmarking of vertical farms. Students will engage in capstone projects, demonstrating their competencies and showcasing how AgTech can improve food production and support local economies.

How do I get involved in the E-GROW project?

We are currently conducting a market study to identify gaps in CEA education and to better understand the unique needs of each of our pilot schools. If you have insights on the challenges and barriers students face when pursuing careers in STEM, food, and agricultural sciences, we would love to hear from you. Please contact GLASE Extension Support Specialist Matthew Del Buono at mjd378@cornell.edu.