Performing Department
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Non Technical Summary
The "Foster Dreams: Cultivating FANHS' Science Excellence in Puerto Rico" project addresses a critical need in Puerto Rico to improve education and career opportunities in food, agricultural, natural resources, and human systems sciences (FANH). Puerto Rico faces significant challenges related to food security, economic instability, and environmental sustainability. The current education system lacks sufficient programs and support to prepare students for careers in these vital areas, particularly those from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities. By enhancing educational experiences and learning opportunities, this project aims to develop a skilled workforce capable of tackling these pressing issues, ultimately benefiting the broader community through improved economic stability and environmental health.To achieve these goals, the project will revise and enhance curricula in the biology baccalaureate and environmental management master's programs at Universidad Ana G. Méndez campuses. Innovative teaching methodologies, such as Knowledge Action and Identity (KAI) strategies, will be integrated into core courses to promote experiential learning and practical application of knowledge. Additionally, professional development workshops will be conducted for faculty members to improve their teaching and advising skills. The project will also provide scholarships and stipends to underrepresented students, enabling them to participate in internships, mentoring, and hands-on activities facilitated through partnerships with local NGOs, farmers, and federal agencies.The ultimate goal of the project is to increase the number of skilled professionals in FANH fields, addressing the workforce needs of Puerto Rico and contributing to the island's food security and sustainable development. By supporting underrepresented students and enhancing their educational experience, the project aims to create a more equitable and prosperous society. The anticipated societal benefits include a more knowledgeable and capable workforce, improved economic stability, and enhanced environmental sustainability, all of which are crucial for the long-term well-being of Puerto Rico.
Animal Health Component
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Research Effort Categories
Basic
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Applied
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Developmental
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Goals / Objectives
The major goals of the "Foster Dreams: Cultivating FANHS' Science Excellence in Puerto Rico" project are as follows:Enhance Educational Experience and Learning Opportunities: Strengthen and improve the educational experience and learning opportunities at the university level in food, agricultural, natural resources, human systems, and sciences (FANH). This is aimed at developing skilled professionals capable of addressing Puerto Rico's food security issues?.Attract and Support Underrepresented Students: Attract and support undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented communities to pursue careers related to FANH. This includes providing scholarships, stipends, and experiential learning opportunities to prepare them as a skilled workforce capable of tackling challenges related to climate variability, natural disasters, and economic instability?.Curriculum Revision and Enhancement: Revise and enhance the curriculum of science programs at both Universidad Ana G. Méndez Cupey and Gurabo campuses. This includes improving core courses with learning activities and practical applications using Knowledge Action and Identity (KAI) approaches and developing new elective courses aligned with labor market needs in FANH sciences?.Faculty Development: Provide professional development training and workshops for faculty members to enhance their teaching competencies, leadership skills, and student advising abilities. This aims to improve faculty members' ability to guide and support students pursuing FANH careers?.Student Recruitment, Retention, and Support: Implement a recruitment, retention, and support program to enroll and graduate 25 underrepresented students annually (15 undergraduates and 10 graduates). This includes providing comprehensive support to help students complete their degrees and prepare for careers in FANH fields or further doctoral education?.Experiential Learning Opportunities: Develop and implement a Learning to Leading Community Partnership (LLCP) model to provide students with real-world workforce experiences, mentoring activities, and local and international travel opportunities. This aims to build and sustain the next generation of highly skilled FANH professionals?.Increase Awareness and Knowledge of FANH Careers: Use social media campaigns and other outreach methods to increase awareness and knowledge of FANH careers among prospective students. This includes highlighting the potential for careers in the federal sector, particularly with the USDA?.Enhance Institutional Capability and Capacity: Strengthen the institution's capability to support underrepresented students through the improvement of facilities, technology, and resources. This includes leveraging existing partnerships and collaborating with federal and state agencies, NGOs, and community partners to enhance the educational and professional development opportunities for students?.
Project Methods
The "Foster Dreams: Cultivating FANHS' Science Excellence in Puerto Rico" project will be conducted using a combination of general scientific methods, unique educational strategies, and innovative approaches tailored to the needs of the target audience. The project aims to enhance educational experiences, support underrepresented students, and develop a skilled workforce in the fields of food, agricultural, natural resources, human systems, and sciences (FANH).General Scientific Methods and Unique AspectsCurriculum Revision and Enhancement:Knowledge Action and Identity (KAI) Strategies: Core courses in the biology baccalaureate and MSEM programs will be revised to integrate KAI strategies, focusing on experiential learning, practical applications, and the development of soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership.New Elective Courses: Development of new elective courses that align with labor market needs in FANH sciences, providing students with additional enrichment opportunities.Faculty Development:Professional Development Workshops: Regular workshops will be conducted to enhance faculty teaching competencies, leadership skills, and student advising capabilities. These workshops will incorporate best practices in pedagogy and innovative teaching methodologies.Student Support and Experiential Learning:Scholarships and Stipends: Financial support will be provided to underrepresented students through scholarships and stipends, enabling them to focus on their studies and participate in experiential learning opportunities.Internships and Practical Experiences: Local and international internships, shadowing, mentoring, and hands-on activities will be facilitated through the Learning to Leading Community Partnership (LLCP) model. This will provide students with real-world experience and professional skill development.Community and Partnership Engagement:Learning to Leading Community Partnership (LLCP) Model: Collaboration with NGOs, community groups, local farmers, and federal and state agencies to support practical learning experiences and build a network of support for students.Efforts to Cause Change in Knowledge, Actions, or ConditionsFormal and Informal Educational Programs:Classroom Instruction: Enhanced curricula and innovative teaching methodologies will be implemented in classroom settings to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.Laboratory Instruction and Practicum Experiences: Hands-on learning opportunities in laboratory settings and through practicum experiences will enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.Development of Curriculum and Innovative Teaching Methodologies:Curriculum Development: Continuous revision and enhancement of curricula to incorporate experiential learning and practical applications, ensuring alignment with industry needs and preparing students for professional careers.Workshops and Training:Student Workshops: Workshops focused on developing soft skills, leadership abilities, and technical competencies necessary for success in FANH careers.Faculty Training: Professional development workshops for faculty to enhance their teaching and advising skills.Experiential Learning Opportunities:Internships and Mentoring: Local and international internships, shadowing, and mentoring opportunities provided through the LLCP model.Research and Practicum Experiences: Engagement in research projects and practical experiences to develop professional skills and apply classroom knowledge.Extension and Outreach:Community Engagement: Outreach programs, social media campaigns, and partnerships with local schools and community organizations to raise awareness about FANH sciences and recruit potential students.Evaluation and Quantification of ImpactEvaluation Plan:Formative and Summative Evaluations: Ongoing formative evaluations to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments, and summative evaluations to assess the overall impact and success in meeting project objectives.Outcome Indicators: Specific outcome indicators to measure the implementation of activities according to the timeline, including the number of students selected, activities completed, faculty and LLCP involvement, and the creation and updating of core courses.Data Collection and Analysis:Pre-treatment and Post-treatment Self-Assessments: Self-assessments completed by participants before and after the program to measure changes in their perception of their skills and effectiveness.Quantitative Performance Metrics: Use of the Assessment Related Module to document student performance in content mastery, critical thinking, and writing skills. Data collection from existing databases to assess and compare baseline data on GPA, academic progress, and retention rates.Participant Satisfaction:Satisfaction Assessments: Assessments and exit interviews to measure participant satisfaction with activities, including career development and experiential learning opportunities.Awareness and Knowledge Assessments:Student Awareness and Understanding Assessments: Measurements of any increase in awareness and change in students' perceptions regarding careers in FANH sciences.Key Milestones and Indicators of SuccessCurriculum Enhancement: Successful revision and enhancement of core courses and development of new elective courses.Faculty Development: Completion of professional development workshops by 30 faculty members.Student Support: Provision of scholarships and stipends to 25 underrepresented students annually.Experiential Learning: Implementation of local and international internships, mentoring, and practical experiences.Community Partnerships: Establishment of the LLCP model and engagement of community partners.Increased Retention and Graduation Rates: Higher retention and graduation rates among participating students.Improved Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrated improvement in student knowledge, soft skills, and professional competencies.