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The University of North Georgia's (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) Gainesville Campus was abuzz with roughly 80 middle and high school students Feb. 5 as they learned about Â鶹ÊÓƵ's poultry science program. Â鶹ÊÓƵ offers three agriculture pathways with associate degrees: poultry science, general agriculture and avian biology.

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Poultry Science Club hosts the Poultry 101 annual event, which Dr. Linda Purvis, assistant professor of biology, created.

"It started as a way to broaden the reach of our program," Purvis said. "I wanted to have a bigger reach and bring students to us because we have a collegiate poultry program. It's the only event of its kind in Georgia where college students help educate students in poultry."

Middle and high school students also had the opportunity to tour the campus and meet Â鶹ÊÓƵ faculty, staff and students.

Purvis said that Â鶹ÊÓƵ students were able to put their leadership skills to use by teaching the classes and sessions offered at Poultry 101, and they also shared their personal experiences.

"Students who study poultry in college have a 100% job placement upon graduation,” Purvis said.

Georgia's multibillion-dollar poultry industry, the largest sector of the state's No. 1 agriculture and agribusiness industry, represents more than 50% of the agricultural income in Georgia.

The poultry industry contributes an annual $24.6 billion to the state economy and generates an annual $2.1 billion in federal tax revenue and another $1.3 billion in state tax revenue, according to the University of Georgia.  

As a result, a large number of poultry and poultry-related industries are seeking individuals with poultry science degrees to further the advancement of the industry.

"While farming is a huge part of it, it's not the only part," Purvis said. "There are veterinarians, pharmaceutical companies, packaging and equipment companies. Even things such as transportation, labs, testing, health, and nutrition. Students with a wide range of interests can find a career in this industry that's right for them."