Arizona Agricultural Institute
The formerly known Summer Ag Institute (SAI) has been revamped to the Arizona Agricultural Institute (AAI)! The Arizona Agricultural Institute offers two opportunities for teachers to experience and learn more about Arizona agriculture with the AAI 1.0, which is held in June, and the AAI 2.0 which is held during the winter growing season. This is a program of The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and is sponsored by Arizona Foundation for Agricultural Literacy.
Arizona Agricultural Institute 1.0
In-person June 9th-12th 2025.AAI 1.0 provides highly interactive, multi-day tours designed to teach K-12 teachers about food and fiber production and to help them incorporate that knowledge in the classroom. AAI combines hands-on learning about agriculture with practical curriculum development. Participants receive continuing education units or professional development hours (CEUs, PD) and free classroom materials that are aligned to Arizona's Academic Standards. AAI 1.0 is an annual program held over the summer in Maricopa County.
Applications will be accepted beginning February 2025
Arizona Agricultural Institute 2.0
The Arizona Agriculture Institute (AAI) 2.0 is the winter portion of the Arizona Agricultural Institute and is open ONLY to teachers who have attended the summer AAI 1.0. AAI 2.0 will move to different counties each winter to help provide teachers with a more comprehensive view of what agriculture is.
Each winter will include two days of in-person farm tours. Teachers will come together each day to learn more about Arizona’s diverse agricultural production operations and all that is involved to provide us with safe and nutritious food and fiber using sustainable practices. Our goal is to make each day informative and provide valuable lessons and resources that connect AG and STEM as well as highlighting why agriculture is the original STEM industry.
This winter, the 2-day in-person event will take teachers to see the diversity of agriculture throughout Pima County. As teachers head south, they will expand their understanding of today’s agriculture visiting greenhouse, mining, cattle, nursery operations and more! AAI 2.0 will take place February 6th and 7th 2025.
Applications are being accepted here https://forms.gle/QLvzhGtfrTH4RRYe7