Ivy Tech Terre Haute recently hosted an Agriculture and Engineering Challenge, bringing together more than 500 local high school students to explore opportunities in these dynamic fields. The event was made possible by a generous $10,000 gift from Duke Energy.
Special guest Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), opened the event with a Community Agriculture Leaders Breakfast, welcoming local agriculture professionals and setting the stage for an exciting day of competition.
The event, hosted by Ivy Tech’s School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science, aims to raise awareness of Ivy Tech’s programs and highlight the career opportunities available in West Central Indiana. Students had the opportunity to explore the College’s cutting-edge facilities and engage with knowledgeable staff and faculty. The day included a series of competitions designed to test students’ skills in areas such as agriculture sales, horticulture, biotechnology, drones, livestock management, coding, and more.
“This event gives students a hands-on experience in agriculture and engineering, sparking curiosity and potential career paths in these fields,” said David Will, Dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science. “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for students and are grateful for Duke Energy’s commitment to supporting education and workforce development.”
Other sponsors include: Novelis, CenterPoint Energy, Bane-Welker Equipment, ZF, Keystone Cooperative, Terre Haute Regional Airport, Farm Credit, Elanco, The Equity, WorkOne Western Indiana, IBEW Local 725, Corteva Agriscience, Steel Dynamics, Inc., and Beck’s Hybrids.
Contest winners:
Balancing Act – Sullivan High School
Balloon Powered Car – Shakamak Jr/Sr High School
Battery Design – Shakamak Jr/Sr High School
Bridge Construction – Wabash River CTE
Coding Challenge – Dugger Union High School
Engineering Nightmare – Clay City Jr/Sr High School
Powertool Drag Race – Clay City Jr/Sr High School
Robo Challenge – Wabash River CTE
Rocket Stages – Shakamak Jr/Sr High School
Short Circuit – Clay City Jr/Sr High School
Agriculture Sales – Bloomfield Jr/Sr High School
Biotechnology – South Putnam High School
Crop Consulting – Clay City Jr/Sr High School
Drones – Bloomfield Jr/Sr High School
Forage Evaluation – Clay City Jr/Sr High School
Horticulutre – North Vermillion High School
Livestock Judging – Terre Haute South High School
Livestock Management – Parke Heritage High School
Precision Agriculture – Terre Haute South High School
Soil Judging – North Central High School
Travel Efficiency – Dugger Union High School
Whatever Floats Your Boat – Bloomfield Jr/Sr High School
Quiz Bowl – Clay City Jr/Sr High School
Source: Ivy Tech Community College