• Cultivating Careers: Plant-Based Skills and Credentials Summit  Registration

    Join us on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Mercer County Community College for Cultivating Careers: Plant-Based Skills and Credentials Summit. Registration is due September 18, 2026.
  • Cultivating Careers: Plant-Based Skills and Credentials Summit will give high school students the opportunity to explore careers in the horticulture industry while earning an industry-recognized credential. Hosted at Mercer County Community College - West Windsor Campus, this hands-on career development experience is designed to help students turn their interest in plants into real-world skills and career opportunities. Students will select one of four specialized tracks and, through a combination of required pre-work and hands-on coursework completed during the summit, leave the event with a credential they can add to their résumé and use as they pursue employment, further education, or careers in the plant industry.

    The learning doesn't stop in the classroom. Students will also participate in a career fair featuring employers and industry professionals giving them the chance to learn about career pathways, ask questions, build professional connections, and discover what opportunities are available beyond high school. Whether students are already interested in a plant-based career or simply want to explore where their skills and interests could take them, Cultivating Careers provides a unique opportunity to learn, earn, and connect, all in one day!

     
    Highlights of this event include:
    • Explore real-world plant-based skills through hands-on learning led by industry professionals.
    • Complete required coursework and leave with an industry-recognized credential or certificate you can add to your résumé.
    • Meet employers and  industry professionals at the career fair and discover where your new skills can take you.
     
    Tentative Schedule
    9:00 am - 10:00 am Welcome
    10:00 am - 12:00 pm Education Session 1
    12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch & Career Fair
    1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Education Session 2
     
     
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • I Have Plans to Work in Agriculture*
  • What track do you want to attend?*
  • Medical Emergency Authorization and Health Information

     In case of sudden illness or an accident to the above named participant requiring immediate treatment or surgery while he/she is a participant in this activity, I authorize the event coordinator(s) to take such action as seems appropriate to protect the health and physical well-being of the above participant. This authority extends to any physician(s) and/or surgeon(s) selected by the event coordinator(s) to perform medical and/or surgical procedures including examinations and tests necessary to preserve the health and physical well-being of the above named participant. All efforts will be made to contact the emergency contact listed in case of emergency.

  • Date*
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    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Date
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    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Code of Conduct

    The primary purpose of the Code of Conduct is to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants at this event. It applies to all participants, with participants defined as attendees, their parents, and volunteers. 

    As a participant at this event, I will:

    • Conduct myself in a courteous and respectful manner and treat participants, parents, volunteers, event coordinators, and others with respect. Appropriate language and behavior are expected at all times.
    • Fully participate in all activities outlined in the event agenda.
    • Wear business attire that is in good taste and in line with common dress codes.
    • Respect and adhere to the rules and guidelines of the event.
    • Avoid places and actions which in any way could raise questions as to moral character or conduct.
    • Not damage or defacy property at the event.  This includes writing on tables/table clothes.  Damages will be paid for by the participant.  
    • Accept supervision and support from event coordinators and volunteers participating in the event
    • Alcoholic beverages shall not be consumed or purchased prior to or during the event, regardless of a participant's age.
    • Obey local, state and federal laws.
    • Participants will: A. Respect every individual’s culture, values and experiences. B. Welcome every individual’s contribution to advancing our communities & the agricultural industry. C. Cultivate an environment that allows every individual to recognize and explore their differences. D. Create leadership opportunities for every individual to enhance their personal & professional endeavors.

    Participants who fail to adhere to the Code of Conduct are subject to a range of disciplinary actions: 1. Being removed from the event and sent home at their expense; 2. Having honors and/or offices withdrawn; 3. Other to be determined by event coordinators and representing organization. When appropriate, immediate corrective action will be taken at the event to ensure the safety and welfare of all participants.

    I understand if I fail to adhere to the above Code of Conduct, I will be subject to disciplinary action and potentially prohibited from attending and participating in future events.

  • Date Signed*
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    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Release Form for Cultivating Careers
    This form is required for ALL participants of Cultivating Careers.  If a participant is under the age of 18, it must be signed by a parent or guardian.
     
     
    Permission and Release of Liability
    I hereby give my/my child permission to participate in the event listed. Although the event coordinator(s) will use the utmost precaution in guarding the health of the above participant and preventing accidents, I release them and their Cooperating Agencies, from any liability in case of illness or injury as a result of this activity. Furthermore, I release the owner and driver of the car transporting me/my child to and from the event, from any liability in case of illness or injury.
  • Media Policy and Release: This program routinely promotes activities through various media. This includes, but is not limited to social media, newspapers, websites, brochures, and displays. In doing so, the names and photos of participants may be included to help promote the event.*
  • Date*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Date
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Should be Empty: