Agriculture & Natural Resources

Coursework

Agriculture has a rich history at MHS. Founders Milton and Catherine Hershey included agricultural instruction in the Deed of Trust when establishing the school. Since then, teaching methods have evolved to support current practices, address modern challenges, and infuse science-based learning so students have the skills to pursue 21st century agriculture careers.

Today’s Agriculture and Natural Resources classes at MHS embrace CASE—a national curriculum designed to establish a structured sequence of agricultural, food, and natural resource science courses that are both rigorous and relevant—and are aligned with the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) focus of the school’s Agricultural and Environmental Education (AEE) program.

The pathway provides students with hands-on, student-centered lessons and experiences with aeroponics, hydroponics, crops, orchards, floriculture, and animals. Students are prepared for careers that involve the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources.

Growth through Active Learning

This active-learning exposure increases students’ environmental and agricultural literacy, as well as their career opportunities and postsecondary preparation in agri-business—an industry currently growing by more than 5 percent.*

Students in this career path also have the option to participate in the AEE program’s student-run Project Market and after-school activities like 4-H and Future Farmers of America.