TERRE HAUTE – Ivy Tech Terre Haute recently hosted an Agriculture and Engineering Challenge, bringing together more than 500 local high school students to explore opportunities in these dynamic fields. The event was made possible by a generous $10,000 gift from Duke Energy. Special guest Ted McKinney, former Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the USDA, opened the event with a Community Agriculture Leaders Breakfast, welcoming local agriculture professionals and setting the stage for an exciting day of competition.
The event, hosted by Ivy Tech’s School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science, aims to raise awareness of Ivy Tech's programs and highlight the career opportunities available in West Central Indiana. Students had the opportunity to explore the College's cutting-edge facilities and engage with knowledgeable staff and faculty. The day included a series of competitions designed to test students' skills in areas such as agriculture sales, horticulture, biotechnology, drones, livestock management, coding, and more.
“This event gives students a hands-on experience in agriculture and engineering, sparking curiosity and potential career paths in these fields,” said David Will, Dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science. “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for students and are grateful for Duke Energy’s commitment to supporting education and workforce development.”
Other sponsors Novelis, CenterPoint Energy, Bane-Welker Equipment, ZF, Keystone Cooperative, Terre Haute Regional Airport, Farm Credit, Elanco, The Equity, WorkOne Western Indiana, IBEW Local 725, Corteva Agriscience, Steel Dynamics, Inc., and Beck’s Hybrids.
Students interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, manufacturing, or engineering should visit ivytech.edu/terrehaute to see a list of available programs.
Companies looking to sponsor Ivy Tech events or engage with our students are invited to contact the Terre Haute Foundation at terrehaute-foundation@ivytech.edu or by calling 812-298-2256.
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Contest winners are as follows:
Balancing Act - Sullivan High School
Balloon Powered Car - Shakamak Jr/Sr High School
Battery Design - Shakamak Jr/Sr High School
Bridge Construction - Wabash River CTE
Coding Challenge - Dugger Union High School
Engineering Nightmare - Clay City Jr/Sr High School
Powertool Drag Race - Clay City Jr/Sr High School
Robo Challenge - Wabash River CTE
Rocket Stages - Shakamak Jr/Sr High School
Short Circuit - Clay City Jr/Sr High School
Agriculture Sales - Bloomfield Jr/Sr High School
Biotechnology - South Putnam High School
Crop Consulting - Clay City Jr/Sr High School
Drones - Bloomfield Jr/Sr High School
Forage Evaluation - Clay City Jr/Sr High School
Horticulutre - North Vermillion High School
Livestock Judging - Terre Haute South High School
Livestock Management - Parke Heritage High School
Precision Agriculture - Terre Haute South High School
Soil Judging - North Central High School
Travel Efficiency - Dugger Union High School
Whatever Floats Your Boat - Bloomfield Jr/Sr High School
Quiz Bowl - Clay City Jr/Sr High School
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
