Assiniboine Community College hosted approximately 90 high school students last week at their annual North Hill Campus Field Day, this to give student the chance to experience hands-on learning in horticulture, environmental sciences, and agriculture.

Working in groups, students rotated through four stations, led by Assiniboine faculty and students from the Agribusiness, Land and Water Management and Horticultural Production programs.

Spending time outdoors and inside Assiniboine’s Sustainable Greenhouse, students got a chance to learn more about integrated pest management in the greenhouse, water sampling and testing at the ACC on-campus creek, get their hands dirty at a soil station, and identify weeds in their on-campus weed ID garden.

“At a time when many high school students are exploring their future career path, giving them the chance to experience hands-on opportunities in these programs can help them with the decision about what they might like to pursue,” said Erin Lambert, Manager of Recruitment at Assiniboine College. “Our hope is that we can help them in their next step on their career path.”

Students also learned about the applied research projects happening with Assiniboine faculty, researchers and students. Throughout the event, staff also shared insights into programs and unique learning opportunities, shared the diverse career paths available through the programs being explored, and showcased the relevant learning spaces that support the ACC 'learn by doing' philosophy.

"We love doing events like this," adds Lambert. "Our motto is 'learn by doing' and we really eat, breath and sleep it!  So, having youth on campus to come and try out these events and see what opportunities there are.  You know, they see some of the concepts that they learn in their science classes or environmental science classes, and we can show them how 'If you like this you can make a career out of it! You can go for further education right here in Brandon and then you can make a career out of it!'"

"So, we love hosting people for these types of events!"

Lambert says for those students who were not able to attend last week Thursday's Field Day there are other opportunities to see what programs ACC has to offer, such as their 'spend a day' program.

Please listen to more on this with Erin Lambert below!

Additional questions regarding the field day and other opportunities for high school students can be directed to recruit@assiniboine.net, or call 204.725.8750.

Visit ACC's website HERE!