The Cooperative Extension Service is opening doors for high school students curious about the intersection of agriculture and technology, with applications now open for the 2026 Ag-Tech Career Exploration program. The seven-month initiative, entering its second year, offers 20 students aged 16 to 19 a chance to explore careers in agricultural technology through hands-on learning, job shadowing, and study tours—both within Arkansas and abroad.
Running from January to July 2026, the program introduces participants to cutting-edge tools shaping modern farming, from drones and precision sensors to food genetics and data analytics. Kayla Machen, extension leadership program technician for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, emphasizes the importance of reaching students at this stage in their lives. “This is when many are deciding what to study or which career paths to pursue,” she said. “Exposure to ag-tech now helps them see agriculture as a dynamic, innovation-driven field—one they might not have considered before.”
The program’s structure blends education with real-world experience. Students will tour research centers like the Milo Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center, visit food labs, and observe livestock operations on the University of Arkansas campus. Job shadowing with professionals in the field provides a firsthand look at potential careers, while evening activities—escape rooms, laser tag, and team-building exercises—foster camaraderie among participants. A highlight of the program is an international study trip, though the 2026 destination remains under wraps until orientation. Last year’s cohort traveled to Panama.
Machen notes that technology is increasingly vital to Arkansas agriculture, the state’s largest industry. “Precision tools help farmers maximize efficiency, reduce waste, and stay competitive,” she explained. “By introducing students to these technologies early, we’re not just teaching them how things work—we’re showing them how they can contribute to solving future challenges, whether in food security, sustainability, or global competition.”
While the program is still young—its first cohort completed the experience earlier this year—early signs suggest it’s making an impact. “Students leave with greater confidence in using technology and a clearer understanding of the career possibilities in agriculture,” Machen said. Though long-term data on participants’ academic and professional choices isn’t yet available, the goal is clear: to inspire more young people to pursue studies and careers in ag-tech.
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the program reflects a broader push to modernize agriculture through education. As farming becomes more data-driven and technologically advanced, initiatives like ACE aim to ensure the industry has a pipeline of skilled, innovative thinkers ready to lead it forward.
Applications for the 2026 program close on October 30. Interested students can find details on the Cooperative Extension Service’s website or by contacting Kayla Machen directly. For those on the fence, Machen offers a simple pitch: “If you’re curious about technology and want to work on something that matters, this program could be your starting point.”