Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The proposed project addresses the critical decline in student enrollment in agricultural sciences at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez (UPRM), a significant issue as the world faces growing food security challenges exacerbated by climate change. Puerto Rico, in particular, suffers from frequent extreme weather events, making it crucial to develop a resilient food and agricultural industry. The declining enrollment, down 34% from 2015-2016 to 2022-2023, highlights the broader issue of attracting students to agricultural careers, often seen as involving hard labor with little compensation and limited opportunities. This project aims to change these misconceptions by targeting high school students, school counsellors, and undergraduate and graduate students, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse and rewarding careers in the agricultural sector. Key activities include a training academy for school counsellors, an annual open house for high school students, a hybrid summer camp for hands-on learning, and a special topics course for undergraduates to develop essential skills and knowledge in agricultural sciences.By implementing these initiatives, the project seeks to increase interest and retention in agricultural sciences programs, ultimately developing a well-trained workforce capable of addressing the complex challenges in the food and agriculture industry, such as food security and sustainable agriculture practices. The societal benefits are extensive, including improved food security, economic stability, and a more informed public recognizing the critical role of agriculture in addressing global challenges. This comprehensive approach will shift public perceptions, generate broader support for the industry, and lead to more significant investments in agricultural research and development. The project's success will have far-reaching impacts, enhancing the quality of life for Puerto Rico's residents, building a more resilient agricultural sector, and contributing to global efforts to ensure food security in an increasingly uncertain world. Through collaborative and inclusive engagement, the project fosters a sense of ownership among participants, ensuring the relevance and effectiveness of its initiatives and setting the foundation for a robust agricultural industry in Puerto Rico.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of this project is to establish an approach in order to contribute to the recruitment and retention process of students that can pursue a career in agricultural sciences. Also, the project aims to develop and prepare well-trained professionals capable of confronting the challenges of the food and agricultural industry. The project aims to play a role in changing the perceptions and misunderstandings held by the public regarding the food and agricultural industry, particularly by targeting high school students and high school counsellors. The specific objectives of this project include the following:Objective 1: Improve recruitment and retention of undergraduate students by establishing a wide variety of activities for high school students to attract their interest in pursuing a career in food and agricultural sciences.Objective 2: Provide training for high school teachers and school counsellors related to careers in the food and agricultural industry.Objective 3: Develop activities for undergraduate students to enhance soft skills, leadership abilities, problem-solving aptitude, and contribute to curriculum and research development
Project Methods
This project will employ a multidisciplinary approach that combines technical expertise with essential soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving. It aims to create dynamic learning environments through hands-on activities, problem-solving tasks, and leadership development. Planned activities include workshops, special topic courses, and immersive experiences, all designed to enhance the participants' knowledge and skills in food and agricultural sciences. A distinctive element of the project is the "train the trainer" approach, where high school counselors and students undergo comprehensive training to become facilitators for their peers. This method is intended to establish a sustainable and replicable model for educational outreach. Furthermore, the project will utilize "AGROBOX," an innovative tool containing materials for virtual learning and hands-on activities, thus enriching the educational experience. The effectiveness of the project will be assessed using pre-tests and post-tests to measure the knowledge gained by participants. Data will be collected on the number of students participating in activities, the number of high school counselors trained, and the subsequent activities these counselors implement in their schools. This data will help evaluate the project's impact on changing knowledge, actions, and conditions among the target audience.Efforts to deliver science-based knowledge will include formal classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, workshops, experiential learning opportunities, and outreach activities. Key initiatives include the School Counselors AG Training Academy, which provides annual training for counselors on careers and trends in the food and agriculture industry, encouraging them to organize school activities such as Career Days. The AG Sciences College Meetup will host annual open house events where high school students can interact with faculty and students to learn about agricultural sciences programs. The Agricultural Week Challenge (AWC) Summer Experience is a one-week camp combining on-campus and virtual activities to introduce high school students to agricultural sciences. Additionally, the Special Topics in Agricultural Education Course is an undergraduate course focusing on careers, employability opportunities, and emerging technologies in the agricultural industry, emphasizing skill development and educational material creation.The evaluation plan includes specific metrics and milestones to measure the project's success. Key evaluations will include tracking participation metrics to monitor the number of students and counselors involved in various activities. Knowledge assessments will be conducted using pre-tests and post-tests to measure participants' knowledge gains. Outcome metrics will evaluate the number of students seeking and gaining admission to agricultural sciences programs and the activities implemented by trained counselors. Lastly, impact assessments will determine the project's broader influence on changing perceptions and increasing interest in agricultural careers among the target audience. This comprehensive evaluation approach ensures that the project meets its objectives and has a lasting impact on its intended audience.