The Hall County School District is forging an exciting new path for students passionate about agriculture through a groundbreaking partnership with the University of Georgia (UGA). This innovative collaboration introduces the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Ivester Rising Scholars Program (CAES-IRSP), offering rising high school seniors a unique opportunity to delve into agricultural studies while earning dual enrollment college credit at UGA’s esteemed Howard E. Ivester Early College campus. Transportation will be provided by Hall County Schools, making this exceptional program accessible to eligible students.
This strategic alliance builds upon the Howard E. Ivester Early College’s successful model as a dual enrollment campus within the Hall County School system. Already in partnership with Brenau University, Lanier Technical College, and the University of North Georgia for six years, Ivester Early College is expanding its horizons by joining forces with UGA, a leading institution in agricultural sciences.
Michele Hood, Dean of Students at Ivester Early College, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture, stating, “We are proud of our six-year relationship with our current college partners… Now, we are excited to partner and begin a new journey with the University of Georgia.” This sentiment underscores the commitment of Hall County Schools Partners to continuously enhance educational opportunities for their students.
The CAES-IRSP program, launched after a competitive application process last spring, has already welcomed its inaugural cohort of three students: Walker Barrett from East Hall, Ayden Plumlee from Cherokee Bluff, and Chloe Mootz from Flowery Branch. These pioneering students commenced their UGA coursework in August, engaging with subjects like Introductory Regenerative Bioscience and Animals in Society at the UGA campus.
A significant signing ceremony marked the official commencement of this partnership at the Howard E. Ivester Early College campus. The event witnessed the presence of distinguished figures including UGA President Jere Morehead, CAES Dean Dr. Nick Place, CAES Associate Dean Dr. Josef M. Broder, Hall County Schools Superintendent Will Schofield, School Board members Sam Chapman, Craig Herrington, and Mark Pettitt, alongside Ivester Foundation members Doug Ivester and Lynn Darby.
Superintendent Will Schofield emphasized the critical importance of this initiative, noting, “Almost one half of Georgia’s economy depends on agriculture… We need to do more to expose students to the career opportunities that exist in this critical area. Our venture with UGA and the Ivester Foundation is an exciting opportunity that has the potential to change lives and strengthen the economy of the great state of Georgia. We are grateful for the partnership.” His words highlighted the far-reaching impact of Hall County Schools partners in contributing to both individual student success and the broader economic landscape of Georgia.
The Ivester Foundation demonstrated their strong belief in the program’s potential by presenting a generous check for $100,000. Further bolstering the program’s financial foundation, a private business owner, inspired by Mr. Ivester’s commitment, contributed an additional $50,000. These substantial donations underscore the community-wide support for initiatives that foster agricultural education and career pathways for Hall County students through strategic partnerships.
This collaboration between Hall County Schools partners and the University of Georgia represents a significant investment in the future of agricultural leadership. By providing students with early exposure to university-level agricultural studies and dual enrollment opportunities, the CAES-IRSP program is set to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals ready to contribute to Georgia’s vital agricultural sector and beyond.
