Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the controlled environment…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) undergraduate certificate program aims to address the pressing need for a skilled workforce in the rapidly evolving field of CEA. With advancements in food production technologies, CEA offers an innovative solution to enhance productivity, reduce environmental footprints, and improve nutritional value for consumers. However, the industry faces a critical challenge in attracting qualified professionals. The absence of a dedicated CEA academic program in the midwest exacerbates this issue. To fill this educational GAP, our project proposes the establishment of a multi-institutional, regional undergraduate certificate program across four campuses: university of missouri - kansas city (umkc), university of missouri - columbia (UM), kansas state university - manhattan campus (ksum), and kansas state university olathe campus (ksuo).the project objectives are two-fold: first, to design a shared multidisciplinary certificate program, and second, to prepare a qualified workforce capable of operating and owning CEA farms in kansas and missouri. Our long-term vision extends beyond the region, with the goal of scaling the certificate program nationally.through collaborative efforts, our program aims to enhance the quality of food and agricultural sciences education. By providing specialized knowledge, hands-on training, interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, students will be equipped to develop sustainable agricultural practices that maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Ultimately, our project aligns with the overarching goals of the HEC program by facilitating cooperative initiatives between institutions and strengthening institutional capacities while maximizing resources.