We are proud to announce the beginning of Veterans' Beekeeping School Cohort II. We expect a large number of applicants. VBS Advisory Council will choose up to 30 applicants for a face-to-face interview. From this pool of applicants, 20 veterans will be selected for Cohort II. Please scroll down to read the details and eligibility requirements for VBS, fill out the VBS application (the application is setup to fill out and submit on-line), and download the flyer. Applications must be received by January 15, 2024. Questions can be sent to claudiakhoureybowers@gmail.com or call 330-353-2315.
The Central Ohio Beekeepers Charitable Foundation and OSU Extension are hosting a program to help central Ohio veterans get up and running as beekeepers.
How Does it Work?
Year One
Students will receive a combination of classroom and hands-on training at no cost to them.
CLASS SCHEDULE & LOCATIONS 2024-2025
2024 Indoor Sessions: Saturdays, March 16, 23; and 30, and April 6, at the Kunz-Brundige OSU Franklin County Extension Building, 2548 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio.
2024 Outdoor Sessions: begins Wednesday April 10 and most Wednesday evenings (6:00 – 8:00 p.m.) from mid-April through end of September, at the Ohio State University Apiaries, 2490 Carmack Rd., Columbus.
The Wednesday outdoor sessions include hive inspections and a potluck dinner. Students and mentors collectively tend the hives. Featured speakers and Q & A sessions are included.
Attendance: a minimum of 3 indoor sessions and 18 outdoor sessions is required for satisfactory course completion.
Year Two
In April 2025, participants who successfully complete Year One will be given a hive, smoker, hive tool, and feeder. The hive includes a package of bees and woodenware (hives) to house them. This hive can be setup at the student’s site (apiary) or in an apiary maintained by COBA.
The student’s assigned mentor will help guide them, and the students are expected to continue joining the weekly apiary meetings.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
Students are required to purchase protective clothing (jacket with veil) costing approx. $100. Scholarships are available for protective clothing if needed. Bees, woodenware, and equipment (valued at $900) will be provided free of charge to students who complete the first-year program. All class sessions are free.
How Do I Apply?
To apply, submit an application online. Thirty (30) applicants will be chosen for an in-person interview to be held on February 17, 2024. Location will be announced.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Honorable Discharge. Please bring your DD-214 to the interview.
2. Applicant must reside in the following Central Ohio counties; Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway, Ross, Union.
How Do I Get More Information?
For more information, contact Claudia Khourey-Bowers at 330 353-2315.
Click on this link for filling out the on-line VBS application.
Click on the link below to download the VBS flyer.
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