Academic Enrichment | Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

The Wildcat experience is unlike any other. Find out what it’s like to live, learn and grow here and make the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment your home.

Our college believes in learning by doing. Because real-world applications are crucial to putting theory into practice, our students are required to complete at least one type of experiential or hands-on learning opportunity, such as undergraduate research, an internship or an education abroad experience.

Student Leadership Spotlight

Growing the next generation of leaders requires intentional cultivation. The Martin-Gatton CAFE is committed to advancing the agricultural industry by creating opportunities for students at all levels to develop and apply their leadership skills. Both inside and outside the classroom, we are creating tomorrow’s leaders today.

Ben Williams

Agricultural Economics | Bloomfield, Ky.

From the Kentucky FFA Association to UK, Ben Williams has stepped into roles as a student leader.

“Serving in leadership roles has definitely added work to my plate, but through this I have learned how to better manage my time and how to adapt when facing a challenge I wasn’t expecting,” Williams said.

Through his role as president of Collegiate Farm Bureau and student ambassador, Williams grew his own leadership skills as well as the skills of his fellow students—all in “a fun and motivating environment.”

The experiences I have had through my leadership roles have impacted my success as a student at UK by teaching me the importance of adaptability, dedication and perseverance.

Internship Spotlight

Internships allow students to gain valuable employability skills for their future careers and to network with industry professionals. Our academic advisors and career and professional development mentors are here to help our students every step of the way as they search and apply for internship opportunities.

Abi McDonald

Human Development and Family Sciences | Frankfort, Ky.

Early in her academic career at UK, student Abi McDonald shadowed a Family and Consumer Sciences agent at the Montgomery County Extension Office. The very next day, she changed her major.

McDonald participated in the Cooperative Extension Summer Internship Program, which matches students to extension offices across the state. McDonald helped with programs such as Culinary Cadets, a summer camp for elementary-aged children to safely learn how to cook nutritious meals, and the Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference.

Working in extension full-time helped McDonald further understand things she had learned in the classroom, like guidelines for working with people with diverse experiences and needs. As her graduation approached, McDonald applied to jobs in her chosen field. Every potential employer, she said, was impressed by her Cooperative Extension internship.

It's exactly what I want to do. ... You can learn it in the classroom all day, but to really learn how to work with families, it needs to be hands-on.