Progress 06/01/23 to 05/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences reached during this reporting period consist of high school students, currently enrolled college students, and aspiring students within the CNMI workforce, with a focus on African-American, CNMI indigenous and underserved populations, and currently enrolled ungraduate University of Guam students. Targeting these groups allows us to strengthen our goal of having a resilient agriculture, food, and human science workforce that will infuse the USDA with talented and diverse representation. By reaching those just starting their academic careers, those experiencing barriers reaching there academic goals, as well as those currently within the workforce, we invest in our current and near future workforce. Our efforts to engage stakeholders regarding the opportunities that NextGEN provides,includes outreach events at high schools, in person college events and email blasts, conference events, meetings withthe municipal scholarship councils of Tinian, Rota, and Saipan, meetings with the the Rota and Tinian Mayors' offices, and other outreach and government agencies that interact with and/or disseminate information toresidents. Changes/Problems:Funding Challenges at Tennessee State University (TSU): - Delays in obtaining a fund accounting number have had a significant impact on the rate of expenditure at TSU. - The absence of a fund accounting number has hindered the timely allocation of financial resources necessary for program implementation. - Consequentially, these delays have directly affected the scheduling of educational trips and initiatives, particularly those involving travel for students and faculty. - TSU is mandated to provide advance funding for travel expenses associated with student and faculty excursions abroad, necessitating efficient financial processing and allocation. - The postponement of trips due to funding delays underscores the critical need for streamlined administrative processes and timely resource allocation to ensure the seamless execution of educational programs and opportunities at TSU. Changes (NMC) - Want to add 6 paid internships due to increased student interest in internship opportunities. It also helps build a foundation for students to reach our goal of a retaining skilled workforce. - Due to the impact of our initial experiential field trips, we will seekapproval to add additional trips in year two. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Student Demonstration Garden, Seed Germination Lab, and Research Presentation Initiatives all provided training. NMC Student Demonstration Garden Development: During the inaugural year of the program, we made significant strides in enhancing experiential learning opportunities for students. At Northern Marianas College (NMC), eight students participated in the creation of a Student Demonstration Garden in collaboration with Dr. C. Miles. This initiative provided students with practical, hands-on training in sustainable gardening practices and horticulture. Through this immersive experience, students gained essential skills in soil management, plant care, and eco-friendly gardening techniques, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture. This garden now serves as a learning hub, demonstrating sustainable food production methods to the broader campus and local community. Seed Germination Test Lab: Building on the theme of practical skill development, 15 students were trained in seed germination testing, working in a Seed Germination Test Lab led by Dr. Miles of Washington State University. This lab provided students with valuable insight into seed biology and agricultural techniques, allowing them to explore the science behind seed germination and plant development. The students' exposure to hands-on experimentation has not only enhanced their understanding of agricultural processes but also empowered them to assist in teaching related labs for NMC's Natural Resource Management courses. This cross-disciplinary approach has deepened student engagement with agricultural science while helping them develop transferable skills applicable to various career pathways in the agriculture and natural resource sectors. TSU Student Research Presentation: In May 2024, students enrolled in a special topics course at Tennessee State University (TSU) had the opportunity to present their research at the prestigious 1890s Multi-State Community Nutrition Education Conference. These research projects highlight the practical applications of the students' international learning experiences in Japan, particularly focusing on community nutrition and sustainable agriculture. By presenting at this national forum, students will not only demonstrate their academic achievements but will also contribute to the broader discourse on nutrition education and food security within underserved communities. The opportunity to present at a conference of this magnitude underscores the real-world impact of the program's experiential learning components, providing students with a platform to showcase their research and engage with experts in the field. Conclusion: Program Impacts Through initiatives like the NMC Student Demonstration Garden, the Seed Germination Test Lab, and the upcoming TSU research presentations, our program has created rich, experiential learning environments that blend academic knowledge with practical, hands-on experiences. These initiatives have empowered students to apply their learning in real-world settings, deepened their understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, and prepared them to become leaders in food security, nutrition education, and sustainable resource management. Our holistic approach has not only expanded students' educational opportunities but has also contributed to broader community engagement and workforce preparedness. The program's successes thus far position us to continue building on these achievements, fostering sustainable solutions and educational equity in the years ahead. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?At Northern Marianas College (NMC), community outreach and engagement have been central to achieving program objectives. By leveraging a range of communication channels, NMC successfully connected with diverse audiences, sharing valuable educational opportunities and programs. Regular press releases highlighted ongoing initiatives and events, ensuring consistent visibility of the programs in the public eye. The college's strategic use of social media allowed for real-time dissemination of information, engaging both prospective students and the broader community. These platforms helped spark discussions and connect individuals to resources in agritourism and related fields. NMC's outreach efforts extended beyond digital media to include face-to-face engagement with schools and government offices. These outreach activities were instrumental in connecting young students and professionals with educational opportunities that aligned with the community's evolving needs. On-campus events fostered community involvement, providing an interactive platform for students, families, and local leaders to engage with NMC's programs and build relationships with the institution. Additionally, information sessions, offered both online and in person, provided comprehensive details on available programs, allowing community members to make informed decisions about their educational paths. Strategically placed flyers in high-traffic areas also ensured that information reached a broader audience, increasing program visibility and access. The University of Guam (UOG) made significant contributions to community learning through a hands-on agritourism experience. UOG's innovative approach to agritourism education was exemplified through an educational trip to Japan, which provided participants with practical insights and real-world learning opportunities. To maximize the impact of this experience, UOG used press releases to inform the public about the Japan trip, emphasizing its educational value and relevance to agritourism development. Social media posts and blogs further enhanced community engagement by sharing personal experiences and lessons learned from the trip. These narratives sparked curiosity and interest among community members, promoting the value of international learning experiences and the potential applications of agritourism in Guam. Meanwhile, Tennessee State University (TSU) engaged its community through thought-provoking presentations and faculty participation in key events. Faculty member Sharon Suggs played a pivotal role by presenting at the inaugural "No Food Left Behind" Food Waste Prevention Summit, held at TSU in April 2024. Her presentation, which drew on insights from a February capstone trip to Fukuoka, Japan, resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the connection between sustainable food practices, waste prevention, and international collaboration. This presentation not only educated the audience on important sustainability practices but also showcased how international experiences can enrich local initiatives. Furthering its commitment to community engagement, TSU faculty members are preparing to participate in the upcoming Nashville Association of Family and Consumer Sciences meeting in May. This event will provide another platform for TSU faculty to share their insights from the Japan trip, particularly focusing on recycling practices and their integration into tourism. By highlighting the intersection of sustainability and tourism, TSU is contributing to a broader understanding of how international best practices can inform and enhance local initiatives. Collectively, the efforts of NMC, UOG, and TSU have made a lasting impact on our respective communities. By promoting education, sustainability, and global learning, our institutions are not only fostering individual growth but also contributing to the advancement of broader societal goals. This grant has allowed each institution to tailor its approach to its unique community, ensuring that the knowledge gained is both applicable and beneficial to local needs. The ongoing dissemination of information and community engagement efforts will continue to inspire future generations to pursue educational opportunities in agritourism, sustainability, and beyond, creating a lasting legacy of innovation and collaboration. The USDA/NIFA NextGen grant has empowered our institutions to take bold steps in promoting education and sustainability within our communities. Through press releases, social media engagement, presentations, and in-person events, NMC, UOG, and TSU have successfully reached and impacted their audiences. The shared experiences, particularly the Japan trips, have enriched faculty, students, and community members alike, fostering an environment of cross-cultural learning and innovation. These efforts underscore the importance of collaboration, both within communities and across borders, in addressing pressing global challenges related to food sustainability, waste prevention, and sustainable tourism. The work conducted under this grant serves as a model for future educational initiatives, demonstrating how strategic outreach and engagement can lead to meaningful, long-term impact. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We remain committed to achieving the following goals in the coming years. We will continue to foster and deepen relationships with the scholarship offices across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. By working closely with these offices, we aim to expand our direct outreach to students who require financial assistance to pursue degrees in NextGen priority areas. This collaboration will help us identify and support more students who could benefit from these opportunities, ensuring that financial aid is accessible to those in need. We will strive to improve the efficiency and impact of our scholarship programs. This will allow us to better track the progress of scholarship recipients, assess the effectiveness of financial aid distribution, and make data-driven improvements to ensure that our scholarships are helping students achieve their academic and professional goals in the most effective way possible. We are dedicated to continuing the growth of experiential learning for our students. This includes increasing engagement with local USDA offices, organizing hands-on activities, field trips, and strengthening ties with the local community. These experiential opportunities are essential in helping students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations, fostering practical skills, and building connections that will be valuable in their future careers.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Progress and Impact in Year One of the NextGen Agritourism: Regenerative Workforce Initiative for African American and Insular Communities During the inaugural year of our NextGen grant, our organization made remarkable progress toward advancing education, promoting community engagement, and fostering sustainable development. Through targeted efforts, we have empowered students and engaged communities, setting a solid foundation for continued success. Goal 1: Educational Assistance Awards One of our key priorities has been to provide educational assistance to deserving students pursuing academic degrees in fields related to agriculture, food science, and natural resource management. In this first year, we received 28 applications for our Educational Assistance Awards, with 12 awardees currently enrolled in various programs. This represents 40% of our total scholarship award goal. We have committed to support students across diverse disciplines, including agriculture, human sciences, business, engineering, computer and data sciences, and veterinary medicine. Here's a breakdown of the fields and academic levels of the awardees: Agriculture & Related Fields: 2 Doctorate students Natural Resource Management: 1 Associate, 1 Bachelor's, and 1 Doctorate student Human Sciences: 3 Bachelor's and 1 Master's student Business: 1 Associate and 4 Bachelor's students Engineering: 2 Bachelor's and 1 Doctorate student Computer & Data Sciences: 4 Bachelor's and 1 Master's student Veterinary Medicine: 1 Associate student Sciences: 3 Bachelor's students There has been a notable increase in interest for specific concentrations such as Food Service Management and Consumer Sciences, with two students at the University of Guam (UOG) committing to Food Service Management. Additionally, Tennessee State University (TSU) recruited 10 students into these programs, incentivized by scholarships. Goal 2: Experiential Learning and Student Engagement Our program placed a strong emphasis on providing students with hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. Experiential Learning Field Trips: We organized two experiential field trips to Japan, engaging 30 students from Northern Marianas College (NMC), UOG, and TSU in cross-cultural exchanges and problem-solving activities. These trips enabled students to gain exposure to food and chemical engineering research, agricultural practices, and agribusiness operations. The experiential Learning Field Trips provided students with new industry and academic exposure to smart agriculture, new technologies, and perspectives. Equally as significant, the majority of students had never traveled abroad before. Some had never flown. This was the first time most of the students had traveled without their family anywhere. They had to adjust to different cultural practices and ideas, different language and food, all while being introduced to new information. They all gain new perspectives on the possibilities in agriculture. Career Decisions and Practical Skills: Four students from these field trips made academic decisions, to enroll in agriculture related programs in their next level of education. Others. The trips deepened their understanding of the symbiotic relationship between these industries, empowering them to actively seek internships and engage in aquaculture. MANRRS Student Club and Campus Engagement: NMC successfully launched its MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) student club, with 10 active members organizing five campus-wide events focused on sustainability initiatives such as recycling and agroforestry. The officers proactively seek out opportunities to build practical skills that align with local sustainability goals. Using knowledge gained through these various opportunities, the MANRRS officers launched a student demonstration garden on-campus where they will engage students and faculty in gardening methods. Goal 3: Curriculum Development and Community Outreach Curriculum development has been another critical area of progress. NextGen Special Topics Course: UOG led the creation of a specialized food science curriculum to equip students with industry-relevant skills. Faculty and students collaborated with peers from Northern Marianas, Guam, Saipan, and Japan, connecting through video conferencing before participating in the Japan trip, fostering international collaboration. Agritourism Curriculum: At TSU, NextGen piloted a curriculum focused on agritourism, specifically designed to engage underserved learners and promote inclusivity. This program introduces students to the growing sector of agritourism, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this emerging field. Community Engagement: Our efforts have extended beyond the classroom into the broader community. No Food Left Behind Summit: TSU hosted a food waste prevention summit, raising awareness about sustainable food systems and waste reduction. Faculty members shared insights from their Japan experiences, reinforcing the importance of food waste prevention practices. Conclusion: Program Impacts Through experiential learning experiences, scholarship opportunities, and a focus on student and community exposure, our NextGen program has successfully expanded student opportunities and fostered deeper engagement with the broader community. Our specialized curricula, tailored for underserved populations, will promote educational access and inclusivity, empowering students to pursue meaningful careers in agriculture, food science, and related industries. In conclusion, the strides we have made in education and community engagement have set the stage for lasting societal impact. We remain dedicated to building on these achievements, continually enhancing educational opportunities, and supporting the next generation of leaders in sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: No citation yet, just accepted by the Natural Products Journal for publication.