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Lincoln Trail College will soon offer agriculture courses on its campus, creating a new pathway for students interested in careers in one of the region’s most important industries.
Beginning this fall, Lincoln Trail College will offer agriculture courses designed to introduce students to the field and prepare them to continue their studies through Illinois Eastern Community Colleges’ agriculture programs.
LTC President Tona Ambrose said the launch reflects years of interest from students, schools and community members.
“It’s so exciting to see the LTC agriculture pathway become a reality after years of interest from students, schools and community members,” Ambrose said. “Agriculture plays such a significant role in our region, and launching these classes at Lincoln Trail College reflects our commitment to serving the needs of the communities around us.”
Ambrose said the pathway strengthens the college’s connection to the region’s agricultural economy while creating new opportunities for local students.
“Agriculture is deeply connected to the economy and heritage of our region,” she said. “This program helps prepare the next generation of professionals who will support and grow our local agricultural economy.”
The agriculture courses offered at LTC will serve as the first step in a pathway that allows students to continue their studies at Wabash Valley College.
According to IECC Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. Cathy Robb, the courses were intentionally designed to align with Wabash Valley College’s agriculture programs.
“There are four agriculture courses that will be offered at LTC, and these courses support students completing the Associate in Applied Science in Ag Production, the Associate in Applied Science in Ag Business, or the Associate in Science in Ag Business for transfer students,” Robb said.
Students will be able to complete up to 27 credit hours at Lincoln Trail College that apply toward agriculture degrees at Wabash Valley College.
Robb said the pathway reflects the collaborative approach IECC campuses are taking to expand opportunities for students.
“This is an opportunity to collaborate between campuses to support students who might be interested in exploring an agriculture-related associate degree,” Robb said. “IECC is working to serve our students by providing opportunities to learn from our content-expert faculty members at more than one campus.”
Courses in the agriculture pathway will be available to both traditional LTC students and dual credit students beginning in fall 2026.
Ambrose said the program also helps remove barriers for students who want to explore agriculture while staying close to home.
“Students can begin their studies through dual credit while still in high school or start as first-year LTC students,” Ambrose said. “They can start their studies at Lincoln Trail College and then continue at Wabash Valley College to complete their associate degree.
“It’s a great example of how our colleges are intentionally working together to expand opportunities for students across the district.”
Lincoln Trail College will host Ag Exploration Night on March 19 as part of Student Parent Information Night, where students and families can learn more about the new agriculture pathway, meet instructors and connect with local agriculture professionals.
