Collierville Chamber of Commerce Makes $7,500 Grant to Collierville High School

Innovative Horticulture Science Program to Include Hands-On Education

On August 11, the Collierville Chamber of Commerce presented a $7,500 check to Collierville High School for use in their Horticulture Science Program, one component of the school’s exciting technical education programs of study. The money will be used to develop a laboratory crop field from which students will gain first-hand and practical skills needed to oversee farms of today and the future.

The funds for the donation are part of a matching grant from EDGE, the Economic Development Growth Engine.

The grant provides funds to begin a crop-growing operation that will take place on the campus of Collierville High School. This laboratory setting will also serve as work-based learning for the school’s capstone course in this area of study: Dual Enrollment Digital Agronomy. Such a program offers the possibility for students to earn industry certifications related to horticulture science and provide them greater opportunities to enter the career upon graduation.

The donation enhances Collierville High School’s move to become the most innovative secondary institution in Tennessee for career and technical education. According to Job4tn.gov, agriculture represents a burgeoning opportunity and is considered both high-wage and high-skill, with an hourly wage of $21.98 per hour and an average annual wage of $45,708.

Mark Heuberger, President and CEO of the Collierville Chamber of Commerce, commented on the decision to grant the money to the school’s Horticulture Science Program: “Everyone understands the importance of agriculture to our nation’s future, and we recognize Collierville High School’s innovative approach to state-of-the art education in this area. We are proud to have an opportunity to assist them in this program. We consider this an investment in our students and in the preparation of our workforce.”