Noblesville nonprofit launches Hamilton County animal‑science career pathway linking students with local farms

Ben’s Ranch Foundation, a Noblesville nonprofit that serves teenagers facing mental and emotional health challenges, is launching a work-based Large Animal Science pathway for Hamilton County high school students. The program blends animal-science instruction with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and workforce-development material and will be taught at Koteewi Stables and other area farms and agribusinesses.

The Pursuit Institute and Hamilton County Parks and Recreation are named partners; Pursuit’s executive director Kurt Cantlon and parks director Chris Stice are quoted in the article supporting the effort. Ben’s Ranch says students can earn academic credit, interact with animals and industry experts, and take on daily work responsibilities intended to build confidence, resilience and awareness of career options.

BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.