In 2017-18, the New York State Turfgrass Association embarked on a strategic planning process. One key objective is career awareness and outreach at the K-12 schools in New York State. We have partnered with the New York State FFA (Future Farmers of America) regional school FFA chapters. FFA is experiencing tremendous growth within the state and the nation. We have also partnered with agriculture educators and counselors at each school district.
In January 2019, the NYSTA Board of Directors met with the President and the Director of the New York FFA, and the Ag Education Specialist of the New York Association of Agricultural Educators. One of the outcomes of that meeting was:
Develop a regional collaborative resource contact list. The list will include names/contact info of all K-12 Ag. Educators, FFA advisors at each school, and a list which includes names/contact info of turf/landscape management professional within that region. The goal is to match teachers/advisors with industry professionals as a resource for possible guest speakers, participate in career fairs, coordinate field trips to various facilities, and develop Co-op/internship opportunities where/when appropriate with various school districts.
Is your facility struggling to find and secure talent for specialized skilled positions? NYSTA's newest workforce initiative will offer Registered Apprenticeship for golf courses, sports turf, and turf businesses in New York. Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.
The candidate must be a member of the New York State Turfgrass Association. The candidate must be currently enrolled, and enrolled for the coming semester as a sophomore, junior, or senior, at a four-year college or university, or a second-year student at a two-year college. In either case, the candidate must be working towards a degree in turfgrass science or a closely-related curriculum (i.e. landscape design, landscape construction, landscape maintenance, agricultural engineering, soil science, pathology/horticultural science) where the applicant has taken all relevant turfgrass management courses, as demonstrated by the applicant’s transcript. Preference will be given to students attending a school within New York State, although this is not a requirement.
Application Deadline: October 15
For more information: Sue VanAmburgh - 518-783-1229
There are many other NY scholarships offered by other green industry associations. We compiled an overview list for any interested individuals below.
Membership has great benefits.