Okaloosa County expands career pathways with agriculture-focused education program for students
Okaloosa County, Florida – The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) has received a $100,000 grant to support agricultural education among students in the remote town of Laurel Hill, therefore significantly improving career education in Okaloosa County. Under collaboration with The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations leads the Career Catalyst project including this grant.
The “Growing Laurel Hill” program seeks to equip students for high-skill, high-paying employment in agriculture, a major sector of activity in Florida. With 69% of the participants qualified for Free and Reduced Lunch, the program is intended to serve 150 children from the area, mostly benefiting those from economically challenged homes.
Combining meaningful internships with an emphasis on offering practical, hands-on experiences in horticulture, Agri-Technology, greenhouse management, and aquaponics systems makes the program unique.
“The ‘Growing Laurel Hill’ program is a shining example of how we can create meaningful career pathways for our students. This grant will provide them hands-on learning experiences, industry skills, and real-world opportunities to shape their futures. We are incredibly grateful to the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation for investing in the success of our students and our community,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said.
Assistant Superintendent John Spolski highlighted the collaborative effort behind the program. “This project is a testament to what can be achieved through strong community partnerships. With support from local businesses, organizations, and agencies, we are equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in Florida’s evolving agricultural landscape. We are excited to see this program take root and flourish,” he said.
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With strong local support, the program has attracted another $50,000 from the Farm Bureau and anticipates another $100,000 from the Yellow River Soil and Water Conservation. Planned to begin in the 2025–2026 academic year, this public–private cooperation highlights the community’s dedication to the sustainability and success of the “Growing Laurel Hill” project.
“The Growing Laurel Hill Academy is exactly the type of initiative that we hope to foster through our Career Catalyst program,” said Mary Chance, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. “We’re excited to see how local industry and community leaders have rallied around this effort to create a meaningful opportunity for students. We believe this program will serve as a model for similar projects across the state.”
This initiative is a part of a broader effort by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations to enhance the effectiveness of local education foundations across Florida. Established in 1987, the Consortium has made major contributions to local education through collaborations between the public and commercial sectors, therefore supporting around $70 million to several educational organizations.
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To find out more about the Consortium and its influence, those who are interested can visit their website, educationfoundationsfl.org.
