​Your support helps ensure students receive an agricultural education that is practical, rigorous, and deeply connected to the land. Through Academic Pathways & Programs, the John de la Howe School Foundation strengthens curriculum and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers, leadership, and service in agriculture.

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Donor investment allows these programs to go beyond basic instruction—supporting immersive, real-world agricultural education that reflects the diversity, innovation, and future of South Carolina agriculture.

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Agricultural Academic Pathways at John de la Howe

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Academic pathways are designed to provide students with both breadth and depth across agricultural disciplines. Each pathway integrates classroom instruction with daily hands-on experience on the school’s working farm and historic campus.

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1. Animal & Plant Systems

Livestock, Crop Production, and Agricultural Science Education

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Students in the Animal & Plant Systems pathway gain direct experience caring for animals and cultivating crops, developing responsibility, stewardship, and applied agricultural science skills through daily practice.​​

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Hands-On Learning Environments

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Apiculture (Beekeeping Program)

The apiculture program connects students with the art and science of beekeeping, teaching pollination, hive management, and the essential role bees play in agricultural ecosystems and food production.

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Cattle Operations

The JDLH Farm is home to numerous head of beef cattle, providing students hands-on experience in animal care, herd management, nutrition, and livestock operations.

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Equine Center

The Equine Center provides students direct experience working with horses, facilities, and daily care routines. Students learn:

• Animal care and handling

• Facility management and safety

• Responsibility and stewardship through daily operations

This environment supports applied animal science learning and reinforces leadership and accountability.

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Poultry Center

Students raise chickens to produce eggs and broilers, learning about animal health, food systems, biosecurity, and responsible agricultural production.

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Small Ruminants

Students work with small ruminant species, gaining experience in animal husbandry, nutrition, breeding, and daily livestock care.

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Swine Center

The swine center allows students to engage directly in pork production systems, reinforcing responsibility, biosecurity, and modern agricultural management practices.

Support Animal & Plant Systems Education →

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2. Horticulture

Plant Science, Crops, and Sustainable Growing Practices

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The Horticulture pathway emphasizes plant science, cultivation, and sustainable agricultural practices that connect students to food production and land stewardship.

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Hands-On Learning Environment

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Crops & Gardens

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A wide variety of plant life is grown and harvested across the John de la Howe campus. Through hands-on learning, students gain experience in:

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• Plant care and propagation

• Soil health and crop cycles

• Sustainable and responsible growing practices​

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These experiences prepare students for careers in plant science, agriculture, and environmental stewardship.

Strengthen Horticulture & Plant Science Programs →

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3. Agricultural Mechanics & Technology

Modern Farm Equipment, Tools, and Technical Skills

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Agricultural education requires mechanical knowledge and technical skill. This pathway equips students to work confidently with the equipment and systems essential to modern farming and agribusiness.

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Hands-On Learning Environment

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Equipment Shop

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Students and staff work daily with a variety of farm equipment, gaining hands-on experience in:

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• Equipment operation and maintenance

• Mechanical problem-solving

• Safe and responsible tool use

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These skills prepare students for agricultural careers requiring both technical expertise and accountability.

Advance Agricultural Mechanics & Technology Training →

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4. Environmental & Natural Resources

Forestry, Wildlife, Conservation, and Land Management

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With 1,310 acres of forested land, the John de la Howe campus serves as a living classroom for environmental and natural resources education.

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Hands-On Learning Environment

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Forestry & Wildlife

Students explore forestry management, wildlife habitats, conservation practices, and sustainable land use, learning how responsible stewardship supports both agriculture and natural resources.

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This pathway integrates environmental science, sustainability, and practical land management, preparing students for careers in conservation, forestry, wildlife management, and natural resources.

Support Environmental & Natural Resources Education →

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Why Your Support Matters

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The John de la Howe School is a state-funded public school, providing core academic instruction. Philanthropic support ensures agricultural pathways remain:

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• Hands-on and experiential

• Aligned with modern agricultural practices

• Responsive to industry and workforce needs

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When you support Academic Pathways & Programs, you are:

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• Strengthening agricultural curriculum and instruction

• Expanding real-world, hands-on learning opportunities

• Preparing students for agricultural careers and leadership

• Investing in the future of South Carolina agriculture

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Invest in Agricultural Pathways & Programs →