Summer Agriculture Institute (SAI) is a three-credit, week-long, graduate-level class through Oregon State University that educates K-12 teachers who have little or no background in agriculture. The goal of SAI is to help educators use agriculture as a context for teaching core academic subjects—science, math, social studies, and English.

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Research-based information about agriculture is presented, and participants are provided with educational materials to help them incorporate what they've learned into their classrooms. OSU scientists and professors, educators, Oregon Department of Agriculture specialists, Extension staff, producers, processors, and owners all take an active role in educating teachers about where their food comes from and how it ends up on the grocery shelf. Participants also visit and tour numerous agricultural operations, such as processing plants, farms, nurseries, a winery, and many other agricultural businesses. 

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The highlight of the week is the opportunity to experience production agriculture through an overnight stay on a working farm or ranch. The learning experience and warm hospitality helps participants see how farmers live, work, and care for the land that supports all of us. Through SAI, teachers are given first-hand experiences in the agriculture industry, and they are provided with educational materials to incorporate agriculture into their classroom and curriculum.

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Enrollment Fee: $800 (including a $200 non-refundable deposit).

Dates: June 17-21, 2024

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For more information, contact program coordinator

Stefani Evers at sai.west@oregonstate.edu or

503-758-6693.