Hydroponic Farming Workshops at Lakeland Community College 'Focus on Growth'

By Chad Felton

Sun, December 17, 2023

The program is free and open to the public.

The workshops focus on a variety of topics, including how to use hydroponic production systems (growing without soil), agriculture-focused education, business planning and how to sell produce locally.

The first cohort of the workshop, which concluded last month, awarded those who finished the curriculum a certificate of completion through Central State University in Wilberforce for the Fast Track Farming program, including a transcript of all classes completed.

According to officials, the certificate signifies that students have received formal training in agricultural farming and can help secure loans or grants in the field.

New workshops will begin again in January and will be held on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Lakeland's greenhouse classroom located in the H-Building, Room H-331.

"Part of our mission is to promote growth and wellness to our veteran community, their families, other military affiliates, and the community at large," said Lakeland Veterans Center Manager S. Rhonda Osagie-Erese.

"We're fortunate to have this program and I urge anybody interested to contact us to take advantage of the opportunity," she added. "We've partnered with great local and national groups to help bring this program to life, including the Cleveland Foundation, Central State University, OD Greens, Soldiers to Sawyers Veterans Mission, Student Veterans of America, and (the) United States Department of Agriculture."

While hydroponics farming workshops are open to everyone, class sizes are limited, officials noted.

For more information, contact Osagie-Erese at lakelandcc.edu/veterans.