A.C.E. [Agriculture & Career Exploration]
CBI-Gates Mills [Career Based Intervention]
Site: Gates Mills Environmental Education Center
Two- or Three-year program
A.C.E. [Agriculture & Career Exploration]
This program offers 10th-12th grade students an exploration of the various Agriculture occupations with emphasis on entry level job skills. This work-study program is designed for selected students to explore agriculture related careers while getting first hand experience in the world of work. Students successfully completing various job shadow sites throughout the school year will have the opportunity to gain paid employment. While learning job skills, students will also gain knowledge in the areas of: employability skills, positive work habits, communication and interpersonal skills, basic floral design, landscape techniques, plant propagation and care, and general horticulture skills. Students will explore post secondary training by visiting Cuyahoga Community College and the Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster. A.C.E. students become members of the FFA, and can join the Ohio Nurserymen and Landscapers Association.
CBI-Gates Mills [Career Based Intervention]
This program offers students an exploration of Horticulture-related careers. Half-day is spent at the Gates Mills Environmental Education Center or at work sites, including the Environmental Education Center. The other half-day is classroom time which includes Virtual Learning academics (Math, Science, English, Social Studies). While learning job skills, students will also gain knowledge in the areas of: employability skills, positive work habits, communication and interpersonal skills.
Participation guidelines:
- At-risk students grades 8-9-10
- Referral from guidance counselor and principal
Instuctors:
- Education: The Ohio State University-Bachelors degree/Agriculture; Kent State University-Masters degree/Education; Kent State University-Career Based Intervention endorsement, Permanent Teaching certificate.
- Work Experience: Environmental Education Teacher (32 yrs); Horticulture industry experience-florist-design and delivery, garden center-sales, landscaper (9 yrs);
- Professional Certifications: Ohio Pesticide Applicator; Ohio Garden Center Technician.
- Professional Memberships: AmeriHort, Perennial Plant Association, Ohio Wildlife Federation, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Ohio Turf Grass Association, Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association.
- Hobbies: Softball, gardening, music, hiking, clam bakes, card games, volunteering, spending time with family and friends.