The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has partnered with the Little Rock School District to establish the Hydroponic Plant Systems Career Pathway program at Little Rock Southwest High School.
The program will introduce students to careers in technology-driven agriculture through hands-on learning opportunities. Participating students will gain exposure to operating a fully functional hydroponic growing system. They will learn how to apply robotics and automation tools, use drones for plant monitoring, and leverage artificial intelligence to analyze production data and optimize crop performance.
A central feature of the initiative is its student-run agribusiness model, which allows learners to produce, price, market, and distribute fresh foods grown on campus. This approach helps build students’ financial literacy, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial capacity.
The new partnership also includes practicums at the UABP Discovery Farm Educational Center, teacher externships, industry tours and guest speakers, student internships, and community engagement activities.
