Source: CALIFORNIA STATE UNIV. FRESNO FOUNDATION submitted to
PATHWAYS IN UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION FOR MULTICULTURAL SCHOLARS WITH COLLABORATION BETWEEN FRESNO STATE AND MADERA COMMUNITY COLLEG
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1029044
Grant No.
2022-38413-38221
Cumulative Award Amt.
$241,400.00
Proposal No.
2022-03854
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Aug 15, 2022
Project End Date
Aug 14, 2027
Grant Year
2022
Program Code
[KF]- Multicultural Scholars
Project Director
Konduru, S.
Recipient Organization
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIV. FRESNO FOUNDATION
4910 N CHESTNUT AVE
FRESNO,CA 93726-1852
Performing Department
Agricultural Business
Non Technical Summary
The purpose of this Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP) is to provide scholarships to support recruiting, engaging, retaining, mentoring, and training committed, eligible multicultural scholars, who will complete 60 units of transferable coursework at Madera Community College (MCC) and transfer to California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) to complete Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Agricultural Business or Industrial Technology. Through these scholarships, the MSP grant aims to increase the enrollment and success of historically underrepresented and underserved populations (primarily women and Hispanic students) in these disciplines and provide a culturally diverse workforce that mirrors the demography of the region.Under this project, well-qualified and motivated students from local high schools and MCC interested in pursuing a career in food and agricultural sector will be invited to apply for the MSP scholarship. The project will develop a transparent and effective multi-factor screening criteria and selection process to identify a cohort of eleven students who will start the program in Fall 2023. The MSP scholars would follow "Guided Pathways" approach that will provide a clear guidance and support system to enable the scholars to stay on track and successfully complete their 60 units of transferable course work. The MSP scholars will also undergo "Special Experiential Learning" activities through industry-sponsored internships and mentoring programs. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a diverse well-trained workforce that provides the intellectual capital to secure the preeminence of California's thriving food and agricultural sector.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
00100010001100%
Knowledge Area
001 - Administration;

Subject Of Investigation
0001 - Administration;

Field Of Science
0001 - Administration;
Goals / Objectives
The overarching goal of this Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP) grant is to provide scholarships to support recruiting, engaging, retaining, mentoring, and training committed, eligible multicultural scholars, who will complete 60 units of transferable coursework at Madera Community College (MCC) and transfer to California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) to complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Agricultural Business, or Industrial Technology (Industrial Technology or Agricultural Systems Management Options).Specific objectives of the project are:i. Motivate and inspire highly qualified students from local high schools and Madera Community College interested in pursuing a career in agribusiness or industrial technology to apply for the MSP scholarship,ii. Develop a transparent and effective multi-factor screening criteria and selection process to identify highly motivated and well-qualified students to join the cohort of eleven students who will start the MSP scholars' program in fall 2021.iii. Through "Guided Pathways" approach provide a clear path to success and enable students to complete 60 units of transferable undergraduate coursework in two years at MCC and transfer to Fresno State to complete their BS degree in Agribusiness or Industrial Technology and serve the industry needs as future leaders.
Project Methods
Approach:?(i) Recruitment Plan: In order to achieve Objective #1 of the project, we plan to target the promising students in the Freshman and Sophomore years at MCC to motivate them to apply for the MSP scholarships by providing them proper advice and guidance through career counsellors. We also plan to prepare college-ready high school students by increasing dual enrollment of college-level courses at high schools. Based on a clearly articulated agribusiness pathway, high school students will be able to take introductory college level courses in agriculture disciplines in their junior and senior years.Selection Plan: We plan to form a selection committee comprising of Fresno State and MCC faculty, representatives from high schools and local agribusiness leaders. This committee will develop the scholarship announcement that will be widely distributed among students of local high schools and MCC. The selection committee will develop a set of criteria based on 1. GPA 2. Performance in Ag-related coursework 3. Involvement in FFA, community and voluntary organizations 4. Essay stating professional and career goals 5. Letters of Recommendation. The rubrics developed using the selection criteria will be used to screen and identify a well-qualified pool of applicants to be invited for in-person interviews. A cohort of eleven students comprising of two juniors, three sophomores and six freshmen will be selected who will start their MSP program and receive scholarship beginning fall 2023.(ii) Curriculum: In order to obtain the four-year bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business or Industrial technology from Fresno State, the students have to complete a carefully designed curriculum to meet the needs of the industry. Industry's recommendations on the skill sets needed are incorporated in the curriculum through the advisory boards established by the two institutions. Moreover, the departments also take into consideration the assessment results year on year and implement necessary changes in the curriculum and the student learning outcomes. Our four-year degree major curricula consist of the following:Agricultural Business - Agricultural Foundation (9 units), Business Management Base (27 units), Agricultural Business Core (24 units), Electives (9 units).Industrial Technology (Industrial Technology or Agricultural Systems Management) - Technical Core (32 units), Management Core (21 units), Electives (15 units) The courses offered by MCC are articulated with the four-year bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business, and Industrial Technology from Fresno State. Thus, the students who complete their 60 transferable units in Year 1 and 2 at MCC, will transfer seamlessly to Fresno State and take the remaining 60 upper-division units in Year 3 and 4 to complete their BS degree. Student will also receive "hands-on" training at the 1000-acre college farm, Industrial Technology laboratories, and Gibson farm market on campus. Fresno State requires its students to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in order to graduate.(iii) Experiential, interdisciplinary and/or capstone opportunities: The BS degrees in Agricultural Business, and Industrial Technology at Fresno State offer both experiential and capstone opportunities. Many of the courses have active "hands-on" approach and are structured to reflect the demands and expectations of the industry. Some of the courses simulate the real-world atmosphere of the agri-food industry so as to make our students readily adaptable to the industry from their first day of their jobs. Fresno State has also incorporated 'ethnic studies' in its general education curriculum as it believes that its graduates need to have cultural competencies and embrace diversity in the society.The department of agricultural business, and industrial technology at Fresno State have active internship programs as well. We believe that internships are the best vehicles for gaining valuable work experience, refining skills, developing professional networks and most importantly may translate into full time jobs after graduation. The Advising and Career Development Center of JCAST at Fresno State provides assistance with academic advising, internships and career placement upon graduation.The JCAST also offers 2-3 short-term study abroad programs every year to its students, at least one of them would be a service-learning program. The MSP scholars would be strongly encouraged to participate in these study-abroad programs as it will expose them to the various opportunities that exist in international markets.(iv) Mentoring plans for Scholars: For the MSP scholar to succeed as per the objective 2 of the program, both the institutions involved in this program are planning to utilize various resources available as well as create new initiatives for success. The CTE counsellor position funded through a current NSF grant at MCC will be working closely with other academic counsellors in the college to create individual "Student Education Plan (SEP)" for each student based on their level of preparedness as evidenced by academic testing. Advising and counseling will start early at the high school level for students taking dual enrollment classes. After the MSP scholars begin their education at MCC, scheduling and course rotation will be done to enable students to take the courses they need for graduation within a two-year cycle. MSP scholars' academic progress will be monitored, and advising/counseling provided to keep students on track towards completion of their SEP. Through dual enrollment option, students could potentially start college with 9-12 college credits and complete their program at MCC in two years or less.(v) Integration of evidence based 'best practices' and special features into student support services and academic training activities: The department of agricultural business, and industrial technology have integrated considerable number of "High Impact Practices" into their courses including "service-learning", hands-on projects, team presentations, simulations, and case studies. Fresno State has also started 'Support Net" which provides appropriate academic assistance and university resources such as helping students with time management strategies, realistic study expectations, learning style assessments, academic success workshops, etc. Student services team at MCC and Fresno State provide support services to at-risk students or students who encounter personal or professional challenges. Students who need additional support in their academics can take advantage of tutorial center, learning and writing center, student mentors and embedded tutors in the classes.(vi) Plans for developing Scholars' critical thinking and problems solving skills: At both the institutions, the faculty members include various activities like informational reading, argumentative writing and case study discussions in their course syllabi and also follow explicit instruction to develop critical thinking and promote problem solving skills among students. In addition, the MSP scholars will have access to new learning technologies that are available at both campuses. Students will be required take classes in critical thinking for Fresno State general education requirement. The respective departments also train students for various national level research, case study analysis and problem-solving competitions organized by various professional organizations like Food Distribution Research Society, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, and American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

Progress 08/15/23 to 08/14/24

Outputs
Target Audience:? The purpose of this project is to provide scholarships to support recruiting, engaging, retaining, mentoring, and training committed, eligible multicultural scholars, to complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Agricultural Business, or Industrial Technology (Industrial Technology or Agricultural Systems Management Options) to increase the participation of historically underrepresented groups in USDA mission areas and prepare them for the professional and scientific workforce in Central Valley of California and other areas. As part of the project, we have reached out to high school students and community college students predominantly in Madera County, CA to provide information about the MSP scholarship program and motivate them to apply for the program. These students have been reached out through direct interaction with the project personnel, high school counselors, Fresno State, and Madera College recruiters. The target audience was also reached through recruitment fairs and information sessions organized by some high schools. Changes/Problems:Some personnel changes have already beenreported to NIFA and the corresponding paperwork has been submitted. Since then, the required changes have been made in our project documentation by NIFA. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project personnel conducted a workshop on April 19, 2024, at Fresno State to provide information to the scholarship recipients about the expectations, timelines, and benefits they will be receiving through the Multicultural Scholars Program. The students have been provided detailed information about each of their degree programs and the "Guided Pathways" approach has been followed. The students are made aware of the various resources that they can avail to succeed in their respective academic programs. The students are also being supported by the personnel from the Advising Center and Career Center in their efforts to pursue internships and other mentorship opportunities. The students have participated in various local and regional conferences and other professional meetings like the World Ag Expo (Feb 13-15, 2024 Tulare, CA) and the Annual Agribusiness Conference (Nov 9, 2023, Fresno, CA). The students are also encouraged to participate in the mentorship program where they will have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals. Along with the above, some students in their senior year are encouraged to participate in case study competitions and in short-term study abroad programs. Students in the junior/senior years are also eligible and may be required (depending upon the degree program)to take a service learning course where they will interact and work closely with organizations in the food and agricultural sectors. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The progress of the project has been disseminated through the institutions' public relations activities, newsletters, and reports. The information has also been passed to local agricultural and commodity organizations based out of Fresno-Madera region. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As both the first and second objectives of the project have been successfully accomplished as per the timeline, the remaining period of the project will be focused on fulfilling the third objective which is the most important one. In the next reporting period, we plan to create experiential, interdisciplinary, and/or capstone opportunities for multicultural scholars so that they will be able to meet the demands and expectations of the industry. The students would be assisted with academic advising to keep them on the path to graduation and also provide guidance to obtain internships and utilize opportunities to participate in short-term study abroad programs and other extracurricular activities. The project personnel would be recruiting industry mentors for the multicultural scholars to provide them exposure to the real world outside and to appreciate the needs of the industry. The industry mentors would be identified with the help of the departmental advisory boards and Project personnel's own connections with the local industry. In the next reporting period, the multicultural scholars would be encouraged to attend events like the World Ag Expo organized by the International Agri-Center at Tulare, CA, and the Agribusiness Conference organized by Fresno State and any other local professional development programs. The multicultural scholars will also be asked to provide information on their post-graduation plans and will be guided to help them accomplish their professional goals.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The following progress has been accomplished under each of the objectives Objectives 1 & 2: After successful recruitment efforts, 10 students have been placed in the program (the 11th student dropped out of the program just before the scholarship program commenced). As reported last year, the recruitment plan was fulfilled as proposed in the application. A new recruitment plan has been started to recruit the 11th student to the program. As part of the plan, we have reached out to high school students and community college students predominantly in Madera County, CA to provide information about the MSP scholarship program and motivate them to apply for the program. Objective 3: The project personnel have conducted a workshop on April 19th, 2024 at Fresno State to provide information to the scholarship recipients about the expectations, timelines and benefits they will be receiving through the Multicultural Scholars Program once they transfer from Madera College to Fresno State. Six students from Madera Community College, accompanied by their instructors/administrators, attended this event. The students were also given tours of the various facilities and labs they will use at Fresno State once they transfer in the Fall of 2024. Education plans have been developed for these students since then to fit their aspirations and goals. It is expected that project goals and objectives will be achieved within the projected time frame of the program. The progress of the students is being closely followed by the PI and Co-PIs at both institutions, and suggestions are being given on an ongoing basis to help students complete their respective degree programs in time. The students are also being supported by the personnel from the Advising Center and Career Center in their efforts to pursue internships and other mentorship opportunities. The students have also been encouraged to participate in various local and regional conferences and other professional meetings. A couple of students are already taking a service-learning course, which is part of their respective degree requirements.

Publications


    Progress 08/15/22 to 08/14/23

    Outputs
    Target Audience:The purpose of this project is to provide scholarships to support recruiting, engaging, retaining, mentoring, and training committed, eligible multicultural scholars,to complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Agricultural Business, or Industrial Technology (Industrial Technology or Agricultural Systems Management Options) so as toincrease the participation of historically underrepresented groups in USDA mission areas and prepare them for the professional and scientific workforce in Central Valley of California and other areas. As part of the project, we have reached out to high school students andcommunity college students predominantly in the Madera county to provide information about the MSP scholarship program and motivate them to apply for the program. These students have been reached out through direct interaction with the project personnel, high school counsellors, Fresno State and Madera college recruiters. The target audience was also reached out through recruitment fairs and information sessions that some high schools have organized. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project personnel have conducted a workshop on July 25 at Madera College to launch the program and provide information to the scholarship recipients about the expectations, timelines and benefits they will be receiving through the MulticulturalScholarsProgram. The students have been provided detailed information pertaining to each of their degree programs and "Guided Pathways" approach has been followed. The students are made aware of thevarious resources available at both the institutions that they can avail to succeed intheir respective academic programs. Educationplans are being developed for these students to fit their aspirations and goals. In addition, the project personnel are in the process of recruiting industry mentors for each of the eleven multiculturalscholars to provide exposure to real world outside. The industry mentors would be identified with the help of the departmental advisory boards and Project personnel's own connections with the local industry. The students have also started to participate in various professional events like the recently held Agribusiness Conference at Fresno, and preparing to participate in other extracurricular activities like case study and problem solving competitions. Overall, the project is makinggood progress as per the project timeline and it is expected that all the project goals and objectives would be achieved with in the projected time-frame of the program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The progress of the project has been disseminated through both the institutions' public relations activities, newsletters and reports. The information has also been passed to local agricultural and commodity organizations based out of Fresno-Madera region. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As both the first and second objectives of the project have beensuccessfully accomplished as per the timeline, the remaining period of the project would be focused on fulfilling the third objective which is the most important one. In the next reporting period, we plan to create experiential, interdisciplinary and/or capstone opportunities for the multicultural scholars so that they will be able to meet the demands and expectations of the industry. The students would be given assistance with academic advising to keep them on path to graduation and also provide guidance to obtain internships and utilize opportunities to participate in short-term study abroad programs and other extracurricular activities. The project personnel would be recruiting industry mentors for the multicultural scholars to provide them exposure to real world outside and appreciate the needs of the indusrty. The industry mentors would be identified with the help of the departmental advisory boards and Project personnel's own connections with the local industry.In the next reporting period, the multicultural scholarswould be made to attend events like the World Ag Expo organized by International Agri-Center at Tulare, CA, and Agribusiness Conference organized by Fresno State and any other local professional development programs. The multicultural scholars would be alsoasked to provide information on their post-graduation plans and will be provided guidance to help them accomplish their professionalgoals.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The following progress has been accomplished under each of theobjectives. Objective 1: The following activities have been carried out to recruit highly qualified students from local high schools and Madera Community College for the MulticulturalScholarsProgram (MSP). 1. Promotional material has been developed and passed on to high school students, high school counsellors, Madera college counsellors to advertise about the MSP. Information has been passed out through class room visits, meetings between counsellors and students, college and career fairs, campus visits and through electronic means. 2. Various contact activities have been carried out during this period: - College and Career Fair- Madera South High School (April 13) - School Visits - Torres High School, Madera South, Liberty High School, Madera High School (March 27-28) - Madera College Campus visits by students from Madera Unified and Mendota Unified school districts (March 23) A lot of students have expressed interest in the program and the project personnel have advised and guided many under-represented minority students to complete the application process. A total of 16 full applications have been received. The number of total applications received were not up to the expectations of the project personnel, as many students have self-selected through the rigorous selection criteria and somewhat laborious application process. Objective 2: The selection committee comprising of faculty and staff from California State University, Fresno; Madera Community College, Madera; and Madera Unified School District, Madera; have developed a transparent and effective multi-factor screening criteria and selection process to identify highly motivated and well-qualified students to join the program. The selection criteria were based on GPA, performance in Ag-related course work, invovement in FFA, community and voluntary organizations, an essay stating their professional and career goals and a letter of recommendation.A cohort of eleven students comprising of two juniors, threesophomores and sixfreshmen have been selected who are pursuing their respective degree programs in the department of agricultural business, industrial technology and plant sciences, at both Fresno State and Madera College at various stages. Out of the eleven students, one student is already transferred toFresno State and one more to join in Spring 2024, and the other ninestudents are at Madera College at present. Objective 3: The project personnel have conducted a workshop on July 25 at Madera College to launch the program and provide information to the scholarship recipients about the expectations, timelines and benefits they will be receiving through the MulticulturalScholarsProgram. The students have been provided detailed information pertaining to each of their degree programs and "Guided Pathways" approach has been followed. The students are made aware of thevarious resources available at both the institutions that they can avail to succeed intheir respective academic programs. Educationplans are being developed for these students to fit their aspirations and goals.It is expected that project goals and objectives would be achieved with in the projected time-frame of the program.

    Publications