Perspectives Archives - Golden LEAF Foundation

All In NC: A skilled workforce is essential to the future of North Carolina agriculture

Jenny Tinklepaugh on September 10, 2026

Agriculture has always been an important part of North Carolina’s economy. But the workforce needed to sustain it looks very different today than it did a generation ago.

Modern agriculture requires people who understand plants, animals, and equipment, as well as data, technology, business, and increasingly sophisticated production systems. Employers also need workers who can communicate, solve problems, adapt, and continue learning.

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations: Preparing the next generation of agricultural workers

Jenny Tinklepaugh on September 9, 2026

Agriculture is a major part of North Carolina’s economy, but the skills needed to succeed in the industry are changing. Preparing the next generation of agricultural workers requires introducing students to career opportunities early, providing hands-on education and training, and creating clear connections from the classroom to the workforce.

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations – Earn While You Learn: Apprenticeships Build North Carolina’s Workforce Pipeline

Jenny Tinklepaugh on August 12, 2026

Apprenticeships are helping North Carolina employers build the skilled workforce they need while giving students an opportunity to earn a paycheck, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for high-demand careers.

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations: Housing as Economic Development

Jenny Tinklepaugh on July 8, 2026

Housing has become one of the most significant challenges facing communities across North Carolina. As employers expand their operations and the state’s population continues to grow, many rural communities are struggling to provide housing for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, manufacturing employees, and other essential workers.

All In NC: Building economic opportunity through housing infrastructure

Jenny Tinklepaugh on July 8, 2026

Across North Carolina, one of the issues that continues to surface in conversations with local leaders, employers, and economic developers is workforce housing. In the latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations, we discussed how partnerships are creating workforce housing solutions.

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations podcast: The Future of Farmland in North Carolina

Jenny Tinklepaugh on June 8, 2026

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores one of the most significant challenges facing North Carolina agriculture: the loss of farmland and what it means for the state’s economy, food systems, and future growth.

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations podcast – Reimagining rural education through Golden LEAF Schools

Jenny Tinklepaugh on May 13, 2026

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores how North Carolina rural middle schools participating in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative are rethinking education to better prepare students for high school, careers, and the workforce of the future.

Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern Spotlight: Kaitlyn Parker

Jenny Tinklepaugh on May 13, 2026

Serving as an intern at Golden LEAF means supporting my past without compromising on my future. Coming from a small town, I was under the impression that my opportunities were limited unless I left for highly urban areas or an entirely different state. My experience at the Golden LEAF Foundation has helped me realize the breadth of opportunities I’ll have at home; staying in a rural area no longer felt like it was a full stop on my life trajectory, but instead a steady pace towards the next chapter of my life.

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations podcast – How ready sites give economic developers a strategic edge

Jenny Tinklepaugh on April 8, 2026

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton, the Foundation’s President and CEO, brings together three leaders driving economic development across North Carolina to answer a critical question: What does it really take to attract new industry to a community?

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations podcast – NC Plant Sciences Initiative growing the future of North Carolina agriculture

Jenny Tinklepaugh on March 11, 2026

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with Scott Hamilton features three voices shaping the future of North Carolina agriculture. They answer the question: What happens when scientists, extension specialists, and farmers tackle agriculture’s toughest challenges together?