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N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative
High school students from the Horticultural Science Summer Institute learn to make soil sensors in the N.C. PSI Demo Lab.

K-12 Engagement

Seeding the Future of Plant Sciences

N.C. PSI provides a unique training ground for a new breed of problem solvers. Our focus is on training and deploying the next-generation workforce that will not only solve the challenges of the future but serve communities and economies that look vastly different from those of today. For K-12 students, this means building awareness of future workforce opportunities and generating excitement for the plant sciences.

We collaborate to provide educational opportunities to K-12 students across North Carolina.

Goals

  • Collaborate with high school educators to provide messaging and experiences to students, particularly in lower-income areas, that promote agricultural career opportunities
  • Work with K-12 administrators and teachers to develop and foster robust teacher training programs focused on longer-term research and learning activities
  • Develop program and best practices for N.C. PSI projects to integrate community and K-12 outreach into their research projects and grants
  • Collaborate with industry partners and existing university programs to facilitate K-12 engagement with N.C. PSI through the development of curriculum, educational programs and camps
K-12 Partnerships
Teacher Opportunities

N.C. PSI Demo Lab

Designed to showcase ongoing N.C. PSI research projects to the public and serves as a hands-on educational area for students, teachers, extension agents, and others groups.

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Demo Lab

K-12 Partnerships

education and workforce development

K-12 Events

Our annual Plant Science Outreach Day provides high school students from across North Carolina with the opportunity to explore the interdisciplinary field of plant science through hands-on activities and discussions with leaders in the field. This event is hosted in partnership with the NC State College Advising Corps, TRIO and Juntos.

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N.C. PSI graduate students teach high school students how to perform experiments in the Demo Lab.

K-12 Field Trips

The N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative offers field trip opportunities during the school year to expose middle and high school students to novel research in agricultural sciences and to offer immersive lab experiences that connect hands-on learning with real-world application. Field trip experiences at the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative are limited to 25 students and are offered on Fridays from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Sign up for a Field Trip 
Researchers use an iPad to monitor plants

Teacher Workshops

The N.C. PSI is currently hosting several workshops for NC K-12 educators. To learn more about these opportunities, contact our Education Program Manager.

Institute Cultivates Tomorrow’s Food and Ag Leaders

At the North Carolina Youth Institute, teens gain research and communications skills to last a lifetime as they grapple with global food, agriculture and sustainability problems.

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2025 N.C. Youth Institute participants pose for a group photo outside the Plant Sciences Building.

Internship Nurtures Ideas for Science and Ag Education

Through the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership, Johnston County schools’ Justin Ingram spends three eye-opening summer weeks with the N.C. PSI.

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Two people smiling together

Plant Science Outreach Day

Each January, the Plant Sciences Building hums with activity during our Annual Plant Science Outreach Day, when close to 100 high schoolers from across the state come together for hands-on activities and chances to learn from leaders in the field of plant science! It’s just one way we work to develop the next generation of problem-solvers in agriculture.

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K-12 Teacher Opportunities

Schedule a Class Visit

We are always excited to engage with K-12 students, both in our Demo Lab and for tours of the Plant Sciences Building. Field trip experiences at the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative are limited to 25 students and are offered on Fridays from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. To schedule a class or group visit for your students, please visit our field trip calendar to sign up for a Friday morning that works for your class, and a member of our team will confirm the date with you.

K-12 Activity Resources

Explore our K-12 lab protocols and learning materials to provide instruction for a variety of fun and educational activities for educators. Additionally, Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center within the N.C. PSI has activities and teacher resources as well.

Contact our Education Program Manager to learn more about our K-12 teacher opportunities.

News from N.C. PSI’s Education Platform

Nathan Rhein stands beside a research poster

Planting New Opportunities

A joint internship program between NC State Extension and N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative gave CALS student Nathaniel Rhein hands-on experience with interdisciplinary research. 
Four people standing in a building lobby, with one speaking into a microphone.

Bridging the Art-and-Science Divide

While popular opinion tends to place art and science at opposing poles, artist Leah Sobsey is more inclined to focus on the ground they share in helping us understand our… 
Group of students standing on a staircase

Students Win 2025-26 Funding from the N.C. PSI

With donor funding, the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative is supporting eight graduate students with research addressing a range of agricultural and environmental challenges.