Extension has adapted to today’s financial realities through a number of strategies, including increased reliance on partnerships. One strategy that expands the reach of an Extension agent and capitalizes on partners is the “train-the-trainer” approach (Laura A. Warner, Amy Harder, Tom Wichman, and Frank Dowdle, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, September 2014. AEC517/WC170: Increasing Efficiency in Extension Using the Train-the-Trainer Approach (ufl.edu).

Kentucky State University (KYSU) Cooperative Extension faces challenges due to a limited number of agents who service multiple counties. Capitalizing on partnerships and utilizing the train the trainer model by having collaborators deliver research-based information to students has proven to be a mutually beneficial endeavor. Two sites in one such service area were chosen in 2024 to house aquaponics demonstration systems. One partner site, the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center, entered its second year of KYSU supported workshops to middle and high school Agricultural Education students. Both middle and high school leaders in the intra-curricular club learned of sustainable agriculture applications of local food production. The second site was a regional agritourism farm that provided field trips to pre-school through secondary classes. Staff members at both locations were educated on the respective systems, taught about aquatic fish species and instructed on the hydroponic production methods. They in turn relayed this information through multiple small group presentations.

In total, over 4000 youth were impacted. In addition to learning about sustainable local food production, STEM concepts were integrated into the lessons that spanned six weeks throughout the summer at FFA Camp in Breckinridge County and then six more weeks in the Fall at a partner farm in Hardin County. Students were made aware of the nationally recognized aquatic sciences program at KYSU. Partner groups received upgrades to their educational offerings while new cooperative extension programming opportunities were created due to the exposure to educators from around the state. Plans are underway for continued and expanded applications at the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center in 2025. Additionally, other institutions and farms will be sought for train the trainer applications.