Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The "Shape the Future: FCS Education Camp" addresses the critical shortage of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educators and the significant racial and ethnic disparities within this field. Currently, there is a pressing need to diversify the educator workforce to better reflect the demographics of our communities, particularly in Texas, where a majority of K-12 students are Black or Latino, but only a small percentage of FCS educators share these backgrounds. This disparity affects the quality and relevance of education for these students. By fostering a new generation of diverse FCS educators, we aim to improve educational outcomes and address broader societal issues such as community development, economic stability, and family well-being. Enhancing FCS education contributes to healthier communities, better financial literacy, improved child development, and more sustainable practices in food and agriculture, benefiting society as a whole.To achieve these goals, the project will implement a four-day summer camp designed to engage underrepresented high school students in the field of FCS. The camp will use a variety of methods to inspire and educate participants. These include interactive workshops, hands-on laboratory experiences, and real-world practicum projects. Students will also participate in mini-teaching projects, receive personalized mentorship, and engage with community leaders and professionals. The curriculum will be tailored to address local community issues, making learning more relevant and impactful. Through these activities, students will gain practical knowledge and skills, as well as insights into the career opportunities available within FCS.The ultimate goal of the project is to increase diversity within the pipeline of future FCS educators and enhance the capacity of local communities to address issues related to nutrition, personal finance, child development, and family relationships. By achieving this goal, we expect to see significant societal benefits, including stronger community ties, improved quality of life, and more resilient and inclusive communities. The project aims to create a ripple effect, where educated and inspired students become educators themselves, bringing their knowledge and passion back to their communities, thus fostering a cycle of continuous improvement and empowerment.
Animal Health Component
55%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
20%
Applied
55%
Developmental
25%
Goals / Objectives
The primary goal of the "Shape the Future: FCS Education Camp" project is to address the shortage of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educators and bridge the racial and ethnic disparities within the field. This project aims to foster a new generation of FCS educators who are representative of the diverse communities they serve. By providing a comprehensive and immersive educational experience, the project seeks to inspire underrepresented high school students to pursue careers in FCS education, thereby contributing to the development of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.Objectives of the ProjectBridge Racial and Ethnic Gaps in FCS EducationTo reduce the disparity between the demographic makeup of Texas K-12 students and FCS educators by encouraging participation from Black, Latino, and other underrepresented groups in FCS educational careers.Provide Comprehensive Exposure to FCSTo offer students profound insights into the world of FCS education through interactive learning experiences, innovative teaching strategies, and exposure to the breadth of careers within FCS education.Strengthen Community Development and Sustainable PracticesTo contribute to the development of resilient and inclusive communities by preparing FCS educators who can address contemporary challenges in food and agriculture sciences, nutrition, personal finance, child development, and family relationships.Support USDA-NIFA's VisionTo align the project's goals with the USDA-NIFA's objectives of strengthening secondary education, promoting linkages among educational levels in the foods and agricultural sciences, and encouraging more students to complete degrees in FCS education.These objectives are designed to ensure that the "Shape the Future: FCS Education Camp" not only addresses the immediate need for more diverse FCS educators but also builds a foundation for long-term community and educational benefits. Through targeted interventions and strategic partnerships, the project aims to create a sustainable impact on FCS education and its role in community development.
Project Methods
Project Conduct and Scientific MethodsThe "Shape the Future: FCS Education Camp" will be conducted using a combination of established educational methodologies and innovative approaches tailored to address the unique needs of underrepresented high school students. The project will involve the following key activities and methods:Recruitment and OutreachMethods: Collaboration with local school districts, community organizations, and social media campaigns to attract diverse incoming 9th-12th grade students. Outreach efforts will include visits to secondary FCS classrooms and participation in community events to ensure wide visibility and interest.Curriculum DevelopmentMethods: Design a comprehensive and engaging curriculum covering core areas of FCS, including nutrition, personal finance, child development, and family relationships. The curriculum will be developed with input from FCS professionals and tailored to address local community issues, making it relevant and impactful for participants.Formal Classroom InstructionMethods: Deliver structured lessons and interactive workshops using innovative teaching strategies such as project-based learning, culturally responsive teaching, and community-based learning. These methods will enhance student engagement and understanding of FCS topics.Laboratory Instruction and Practicum ExperiencesMethods: Provide hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art facilities at Texas Tech University (TTU), including hospitality labs and mental health and counseling centers. Students will participate in practical application projects that address real-world issues in their communities.Workshops and Extension OutreachMethods: Conduct workshops led by FCS professionals and extension educators, focusing on community issues such as nutrition education, financial literacy, and family relationships. Extension outreach strategies will engage local communities and promote the benefits of FCS education.Mentorship ProgramMethods: Establish a mentorship program pairing students with FCS educators and industry professionals to provide ongoing support and guidance. Mentors will offer personalized feedback and help students refine their teaching skills and career aspirations.Community Engagement and DevelopmentMethods: Involve community leaders and organizations in camp activities to foster a sense of community involvement and real-world impact. Students will participate in community development projects that address local issues, thereby strengthening community ties and improving quality of life.Efforts to Cause ChangeThe project will employ various efforts to deliver science-based knowledge and cause changes in knowledge, actions, and conditions of the target audience:Formal Classroom Instruction: Interactive lessons and workshops to improve students' understanding of FCS topics.Laboratory Instruction and Practicum Experiences: Hands-on projects to apply FCS principles in real-world settings.Development of Curriculum and Innovative Teaching Methodologies: Tailored curriculum addressing local issues and needs.Workshops and Extension Outreach: Engaging workshops and community outreach activities.Mentorship and Personalized Feedback: One-on-one and group mentorship and feedback sessions to support students' growth.Community Engagement Projects: Initiatives to involve students in addressing community issues through FCS education.Evaluation PlanThe evaluation of the "Shape the Future: FCS Education Camp" will be comprehensive and multifaceted, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative measures to assess the impact on participants and the broader community. The evaluation plan will include the following components:Pre- and Post-Camp SurveysData Collected: Students' knowledge of FCS careers, understanding of FCS topics, and attitudes towards FCS education.Milestones: Conduct surveys before and after the camp to measure changes in knowledge and attitudes.Indicators of Success: A significant increase in students' understanding of FCS careers and topics, with at least 80% of participants showing learning gains.Mini-Teaching Project EvaluationsData Collected: Students' ability to apply teaching techniques and address community needs.Milestones: Completion of mini-teaching projects by the end of the camp.Indicators of Success: 75% of participants demonstrate improved teaching skills and effectiveness in addressing community issues.Enrollment TrackingData Collected: Enrollment data in FCS-related courses and programs from local high schools.Milestones: Track enrollment for one year following camp participation.Indicators of Success: A 25% increase in enrollment in FCS courses among camp participants.Follow-Up Interviews and SurveysData Collected: Students' participation in community service projects, mentorship feedback, and continued interest in FCS education.Milestones: Conduct follow-up interviews and surveys six months and one year after the camp.Indicators of Success: 50% increase in student participation in community-based FCS projects and sustained interest in FCS careers.Community Impact AssessmentsData Collected: Feedback from community members and impact of student-led projects on local issues.Milestones: Collect community feedback during and after the camp.Indicators of Success: Significant improvements in community initiatives related to FCS, with positive outcomes in areas such as nutrition and financial literacy.Longitudinal TrackingData Collected: Career paths of camp participants and diversity in the pipeline of future FCS educators.Milestones: Track participants' progress for up to five years.Indicators of Success: A 30% increase in the number of underrepresented students pursuing FCS education careers.By implementing this comprehensive evaluation plan, the project will ensure that its outcomes and accomplishments are effectively measured and that the impact on the intended audience is clearly demonstrated. This approach will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the "Shape the Future: FCS Education Camp" and inform future iterations and similar initiatives.