Kentucky State University's land-grant mission connects research and education with the needs of people and communities.

Kentucky State also welcomed 98 high school students representing six 1890 land-grant universities for the 2026 Youth Innovators Empowering Agriculture Research and Extension Apprenticeship Program.

The broader initiative reaches eight K–12 schools, 10 community gardens, and five nonprofit organizations, demonstrating how urban agriculture can improve access to fresh food, develop practical skills, and create economic opportunity.

Together, these initiatives bring University knowledge into communities while helping young people see themselves as future scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, and Extension leaders.

During the five-day residential experience, students explored agriculture, technology, research, leadership, and Cooperative Extension through hands-on activities across the University's main campus and research facilities.

In Lexington's Winburn neighborhood and at Whitney Young Park, Kentucky State students and researchers are working with community partners to create productive urban growing spaces. Participants grow vegetables and herbs, collect soil samples, and learn how food moves from the soil to the table. The broader initiative reaches eight K–12 schools, 10 community gardens, and five nonprofit organizations, demonstrating how urban agriculture can improve access to fresh food, develop practical skills, and create economic opportunity.