The Summer AgriCULTURE Institutes (SAIs) are professional development courses designed for educators. Attendees learn about Colorado agriculture; tour farms, ranches, and production facilities; and gain innovative, standards-based ways to incorporate food, fiber, fuel, and natural resource topics into academic curricula!

2025 Summer AgriCULTURE Institutes

View/Download 2025 SAI Flyer

July 7-11, 2025 – Agriculture in the St. Vrain Valley

Explore the diverse and dynamic world of agriculture in the St. Vrain Valley! Based in the Longmont, Mead, and Firestone area, this immersive five-day professional development experience connects educators with local farmers, ranchers, and industry leaders to discover where our food comes from and how agriculture shapes our communities. With hands-on farm tours, classroom-ready resources, and standards-aligned content, this course is perfect for teachers who want to bring real-world learning to life in their classrooms. PreK-12 formal and informal educators in all disciplines from across the state and beyond are welcome. Registration of $95 includes 2.5 Continuing Education Units (37.5 clock hours) and 3 graduate level credits from Colorado State University.

July 17-19, 2025 – Steamboat Springs: Public Lands and Agriculture

Discover the powerful connection between public lands and agriculture in the heart of the Yampa Valley! This three-day course based in Steamboat Springs takes educators on an unforgettable journey through mountain ranches, forests, and open range to understand how land management, water, wildlife, and livestock production intersect. Learn from ranchers, land stewards, and conservationists while gaining fresh tools and ideas to spark inquiry and connect your students to Colorado’s natural and agricultural resources. Open to all preK-12 grade formal and informal educators from Colorado and surrounding states. Registration of $45 includes 1.5 Continuing Education Units (22.5 clock hours) and 1 graduate level credit from Colorado State University.

What is Summer AgriCULTURE Institute (SAI)?

• A hands-on, graduate level class for preK-12 educators.
• The goal is to help educators use agriculture as the context for teaching academic standards.
• Current, factual, science-based information is presented about the food and fiber system we rely on every day.
• Participants are provided with educational materials to incorporate agriculture into their curriculum.
• Learn first-hand how farmers and ranchers care for land and water.
• Experience agriculture through tours of farms, ranches, and production facilities.

Why should I attend?

• To increase your knowledge and understanding of agricultural issues and applications.
• To gain information with the goal of helping people make well-informed decisions about agriculture.
• Receive fun, engaging curriculum to utilize with students.
• Teachers say this is the best professional development training they have ever attended.

Additional Details

• Participants should be aware that these are long, full days, which can begin before 8:00 a.m. and end after 5:00 p.m., depending on tour schedule and travel distance.
• Transportation to tour locations will be provided, however participants may be asked to car pool or may travel separately.
• Daily lunch, snacks, and water are provided (breakfasts and dinners are on your own).
• The days will be spent both indoors and outdoors.
• Housing is not provided.
• Courses will abide by current Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment guidelines.

Who is CoAITC?

Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom (CoAITC) strives to improve student achievement by applying accurate and authentic content related to food, fiber, fuel, and natural resources as the context to teach core curriculum concepts in science, social studies, nutrition, STEM, language arts, and more.

How do I sign-up?

• Once available, registration links will be posted near the top of this page.
• Space is limited to 30 educators.
• Open to educators from Colorado and surrounding states (space priority given to Colorado educators).