Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
As a result of the projected shortage of human capital trained with degrees in the food, agricultural and related sciences,particularly among blacks and other minorities, this project will serve as a magnet to draw some of those into this field of study.PVAMU will particularly target underserved and under represented populations and limited resource clientele and prepare thispopulation to participate effectively in teaching, research and extension. By targeting and preparing scholars for success in thefood and agricultural careers, the College will promote a reputation of being a student magnet by providing a gateway toopportunities and assist in meeting the needs of USDA/NIFA in achieving its goal of a highly skilled and diversified workforce.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The USDA has determined that there is a shortage of human capital trained in degrees to fill agriculture and related vacanciesnow and in the future. It is noted that individuals of color are not entering the workforce in many of these career pathways. Thisproject will serve as a catalyze and target underserved and underrepresented populations and limited resource clientele thatare potential employees who would are not likely to pursue these careers pathways otherwise. By targeting and preparingscholars for success in food and agricultural careers, the College will promote its reputation as a student a magnet byproviding a gateway to opportunities and assist the USDA/NIFA in meeting its goal of diversifying its workforce. Project successwill be measured based on student self-assessment surveys, student evaluations, and academic records, including retentionand graduation.This project will provide scholarships to support the recruitment, engaging, retaining, mentoring and training of undergraduatestudents at Prairie View A&M University, resulting in baccalaureate degrees in the food and agricultural sciences and leading toa highly skilled food and agricultural systems workforce. Measurable objectives will include. 1) Increased number of studentsrecruited, retained, graduated and placed in employment in the food and agricultural sciences workforce. 2) Increased numberof students participating in high-impact experiences such as undergraduate research, education abroad and internships. 3)Increased student retention and graduation within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
Project Methods
This project will support scholars with full or partial scholarships, provide mentoring activities, workshops and will increasescholars's participation in high-impact experiences( education abroad, internships, research projects designed to enhance theircareer readiness upon graduation and to supplement their classroom/theoretical educational experiences. As a result ofparticipation in these activities scholars professional competencies will be enhanced. Measurement of professionalcompetencies will be achieved through pre-test, formative and summative approaches through self-assessment and evaluationby project staff utilizing research-based assessment tools.A monthly structured mentoring will be used to monitor and measurescholars progress and performance. The PVAMU office of Career and Outreach services will provide assistance in evaluation ofstudent career competencies. Recruitment of scholars will target a number of identified scholars who will assist in promoting theprogram. These schools offer FFA programs wherein many of their students proceed to pursue food and agricultural sciencesas careers of choice.