School buses lined the grounds of the Union County Agricultural Center as thousands of third-grade students stepped into a hands-on learning environment designed to spark curiosity, build connections, and introduce future career pathways in agriculture.

N.C. Cooperative Extension - Union County Center, in partnership with Union County Public Schools, hosted its annual Wake Up to Agriculture Experience during the week of March 23. The week-long event welcomed approximately 3,000 third-grade students from across the County, alongside nearly 400 middle and high school student volunteers who helped lead the experience.

Wake Up to Agriculture serves as an early introduction to the wide range of careers within the agricultural industry, many of which students encounter for the first time during the event.

Throughout each day, students rotated through interactive stations covering topics such as soil and water conservation, hydroponics, livestock management, and agricultural equipment. At each station, high school agriculture students took on the role of teachers and mentors, guiding younger students through real-world concepts and demonstrating how agriculture connects to their everyday lives.

Reflecting on his experience at the Force in Motion station, Joseph, a graduating senior and FFA student from Forest Hills High School, shared, “It was a really good opportunity for them to get hands-on experience with how hydraulics work at a young age, and how that is not only applicable on the farm, but in their everyday lives.”

This peer-led model creates a unique learning environment that benefits both age groups by building foundational knowledge for younger students while strengthening leadership, communication, and workforce-ready skills for older participants.

“The Wake Up to Agriculture Experience brings learning to life by connecting students directly with the people and innovations that sustain our community,” said Crystal Starkes, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Union County. “By engaging students at an early age and providing opportunities for youth leadership, we are helping build awareness of agriculture while also developing the next generation of our workforce.”

In addition to educational stations, students had the opportunity to observe and interact with farm animals, further reinforcing the connection between agriculture, food systems, and daily life. For many, it was their first time experiencing agriculture outside of the classroom.

Dr. Susan Rodgers, Assistant Superintendent of Academics for UCPS, highlighted the impact of the experience, sharing, “I love that the high school students are teaching the elementary students. This is an amazing leadership opportunity for them.”

The event is part of a broader, long-term effort to strengthen agricultural education and workforce development in Union County. Through continued collaboration between N.C. Cooperative Extension and Union County Public Schools, students are introduced to agriculture and agricultural technology at multiple stages of their education, creating a pipeline of awareness, skill-building, and career exploration.

Wake Up to Agriculture plays a critical role in that pipeline by reaching students early and helping them begin to see agriculture not only as part of their community, but as a field filled with opportunity.

For the high school students leading stations, the experience also provides a glimpse into potential career pathways in education, agriculture, and public service, while reinforcing the value of mentorship and community engagement.

Lacie Alexander, a sophomore at Union Academy Charter School and a 4-H and FFA student, shared, “I have such a passion for agriculture. Having the opportunity to teach these kids is such an amazing experience. Seeing the impact of what we are teaching and how it resonates with them is something that will stay with me.”

Now in its sixth year, Wake Up to Agriculture continues to grow in both participation and impact. By combining hands-on learning, peer leadership, and real-world applications, the program reflects a shared commitment to preparing Union County, and it's youth, for future success while strengthening connections to the agricultural industry.

As students boarded buses at the end of the day, they carried new knowledge, questions, and excitement. They left with more than just a memorable experience, they gained a broader understanding of how agriculture shapes their lives and the possibilities it may hold for their future.