According to NIFA and USDA's mission there remain tons of workforce development opportunities in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences and more.  These jobs will be the future and aren't enough young people to fill the void or demand, specifically there is a low percentage of minorities involved in the space.

 KSU personnel; Casey Townsend, Janelle Hager, Chelsea Walling, Brian Walker, and Danielle Kinder conducted a six week program that was developed in Lexington,KY at Leestown Middle School by implementing an aquaponics program.  

There were 39 participants which conducted an investigative experiment with Back To The Roots aquaponics systems.  They examined bacterial growth, Fish feed rates that impacted plant growth and water quality.

A brief survey was administered which asked about their interest to do more with Aquaculture Programs after participating, 50% of them indicated yes.  When asked if they would pursue at STEM degree afterwards 50% indicated yes.