The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation has launched the Gateway Education Program, a job shadow opportunity for Fayette County high school seniors. The program allows students the opportunity to observe professionals in the equine industry and experience a day in the life of that operation while gaining a real life understanding of careers, career pathways, and the education and skills needed.
Students with little to no experience with horses will attend an orientation session at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center. They will participate in an introductory level equine curriculum program before starting, while those with equine experience will proceed straight into the job shadow. For the 2022-2023 school year, the KEEP Foundation has partnered with Locust Trace AgriScience Center, and the Fayette County Public Schools' Experience Based Career Education program, with a long term goal of expanding into surrounding areas and eventually statewide.
“This is such a great opportunity for students to receive first-hand experience in exploring the countless careers in the equine industry,” said Alexandra Harper, Executive Director for the KEEP Foundation. “Our industry relies heavily on the next generation of horsemen and women, and we hope this program will help address and reduce future industry workforce issues.”
Interested students, or businesses wanting to participate as a host site, are encouraged to email Alexandra Harper alexandra@horseswork.com and if you'd like to make a donation in support of the KEEP Foundation's initiatives, those can be made here.
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