What's New
New Partnership Will Increase Outreach to Potential Students
June 25, 2009
Students across Ontario will soon have more opportunities to learn about the great prospects that a post-secondary education in agriculture and agri-food provides thanks to alumni and friends of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) at the University of Guelph.
On Monday, June 22, OAC Dean Rob Gordon announced a new strategic partnership which will attempt to enhance student recruitment into OAC programs. Partners include Monsanto Canada, who will provide $100,000 for recruitment and awareness efforts, as well as the OAC Class of ’53, who, to date, have raised almost $64,000 for promotion and outreach to potential students.
Demand for graduates trained in agricultural science disciplines continues to increase as the industry works to provide solutions for global challenges such as a safe and secure food supply, environmental protection, diminishing resources and sustainable communities. At the same time, enrollment in post-secondary agriculture programs across North America has declined in recent years, resulting in challenges for existing and emerging human resource needs.
“It’s an extremely exciting period to be considering a career in our agriculture and food related industries,” said Gordon. “The partnership that we have recognized today represents an investment in the future of Ontario and this great and essential industry.”
With the support of their partners, OAC will develop several new programs to promote the benefits of their programs, creating capacity for current students to become actively engaged in the recruitment function as a component of their leadership training, and coordinating opportunities with other organizations such as 4-H to create broader awareness of the many career opportunities open to OAC graduates in the areas of food, agriculture, the environment and rural communities.
For more information, contact Brenda Cassidy, OAC Communications Coordinator, 519-824-4120 ext 56832, bcassidy@uoguelph.ca
