As demand for a highly skilled agricultural workforce continues to grow, [State] must strengthen accessible and clearly defined academic and career pathways to prepare future agricultural professionals. Community colleges serve as a critical entry point into higher education, particularly for rural and first-generation students, and play a vital role in both workforce development and transfer preparation. However, information related to agricultural education offerings, transfer pathways, and faculty at [State] community colleges is often decentralized and difficult for students and stakeholders to locate. The purpose of this study was to examine agricultural education offerings at community colleges in [State], specifically agricultural courses, transfer pathways, and agricultural faculty. This study employed a conceptual content analysis research design using publicly available data from institutional websites and national postsecondary education databases. Data were analyzed to identify the presence and scope of agricultural programs, the types and number of agricultural courses offered for agricultural associates degrees, available transfer pathways to four-year institutions, and the representation of agricultural faculty within community colleges. Guided by the Path-Goal Theory, this study considered how the clarity and accessibility of institutional information may influence student motivation, persistence, and progression through agricultural education pathways. Findings provide a descriptive overview of how agricultural education is structured and communicated at the community college level in [State]. This study addresses the limited accessibility and consolidation of information related to agricultural education pathways in community colleges. By organizing and documenting agricultural offerings across Arkansas community colleges, this research may support informed student decision-making, institutional planning, and efforts to strengthen agricultural transfer and workforce pathways throughout the state.
600 Russell Street
Starkville, MS 39759
United States
Natasha Hightower, University of Arkansas Casandra K. Cox, University of Arkansas K. Jill Rucker, University of Arkansas Hunter P. Goodman, Center for Rural Resilience and Workforce Development, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture