IWCS was announced as the first place winner in school divisions with student populations between 5,001 and 10,000 students. A complete list of winners can be found below. The division’s entry, IWCS Agricultural Land Lab: Cultivating the Next Generation of Farmers, highlights the Agricultural Land Lab, a working farm on property behind Windsor Elementary School, which provides students in agriculture an authentic experience on the elements of plant and animal science. Students transformed six acres of uncut grass to fenced pastures, a vegetable garden, and housing for animals, and a classroom building and barn were constructed to house the program. Classes offered at the Land Lab are double blocked, half-day courses and made available to students at both Windsor and Smithfield High students. “The program sparks a passion in the students for agriculture and gives them an appreciation for careers in agriculture, whether as growers and producers, or in roles that directly support agricultural ventures,” said Isle of Wight County School Board Chair John Collick. “We are excited to receive this award which acknowledges the division’s involvement in strengthening the workforce of the Commonwealth.”
As part of the award application, IWCS noted the Land Lab is not an ordinary agriculture program. It is the only one in the Hampton Roads region, and only one of several in Virginia. The key element that sets it apart from other agriculture programs is its authenticity. Creating meaningful, relevant work is an integral component throughout the curriculum. Students actively engage in running and maintaining a working farm for three hours of their school day, five days a week, with guidance from an Agriculture Teacher and a Farm Manager. Students continue to shape the program as they develop fresh new ideas and innovative ways to increase productivity and create a successful operation for years to come. Third-year students serve as informal teachers, sharing their knowledge with underclassmen and becoming managers and supervisors to their peers. The success of the program and its unique format have made the IWCS Agricultural Land Lab a model program throughout the Commonwealth.
The application emphasized the support of community, business, and industry for the program’s success Numerous partners, including area farmers, the Isle of Wight County’s Economic Development office, local business, and state agencies play an important role in the ongoing growth and development of the IWCS Agricultural Land Lab. Industry representatives regularly attend Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Board meetings, host interns, facilitate job-shadowing opportunities, fund initiatives, and partner with the Land Lab to increase hands-on, real-world learning experiences for our students.
“The authenticity of our agriculture program provides students with the skills, certifications, and work-based learning opportunities that translate directly to high-demand, high-wage jobs after graduation from high school,” said IWCS Superintendent Theo Cramer. “We are honored to be recognized by the VSBA for our contribution to developing workforce-ready students.”
The winning school divisions are as follows:
Student Population Below 5,000 Students
First Place- Fredericksburg City Public Schools, The Hop Into Vocational Experiences (HIVE) Program
Second Place- Petersburg City Public Schools, Education for Employment Program
Third Place- Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, Advanced Healthcare Pathways Program
Student Population Between 5,001 – 10,000 Students
First Place- Isle of Wight County Schools, IWCS Agricultural Land Lab: Cultivating the Next Generation of Farmers
Second Place- Danville City Public Schools, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Program
Third Place- Prince George County Public Schools, Technology Field Day Initiative
Student Population Above 10,001 Students
First Place- Fairfax County Public Schools, Residential Construction Program
Second Place- Albemarle County Public Schools, Starr Hill Pathways
Third Place- Chesterfield County Public Schools, CCPS Work-Based Learning Initiative