Non Technical Summary
Delaware State University (DSU) engages students in science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and math (STEM) learning programs to strengthen and improve their career pathways in food and agricultural sciences. This program strategy will provide valuable opportunities to enhance the capacities and capabilities of students training in food systems and agricultural science programs. The program is aimed at producing graduates who are competent in skills required for entry-level positions in agriculture and related fields. Over four years, twenty-one students will participate in this program, gaining a wealth of knowledge and skills. The academic studies will orient students to interdisciplinary, participatory research and extension on food systems, enabling a better understanding of America's agricultural goals. Students who participate in the program will be exposed to various disciplines they can consider as careers in agricultureand better understand critical national and international agricultural issues. They will address USDA-NIFA's strategic goals of capacity building for improved employment rate, new business creation and job growth, global food security, food safety, natural resource management, and sustainable rural economies. The 1890 scholarship program will contribute significantly to helping the university address these goals.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
001	0001	0001	100%

Knowledge Area
001 - Administration;

Subject Of Investigation
0001 - Administration;

Field Of Science
0001 - Administration;

Goals / Objectives
The major goal of this project is to train a cadre of scholars with high competency levels for the food and agricultural workforce.The scholars will participate in early research orientation in laboratories and other modules that are suitable for implementingmulti-disciplinary research and extension programs in the food and agricultural sciences.Specific objectives include:• Recruit minority students and increase retention of freshmen in agriculture majors.• Develop an enriched educational delivery system, including strengthened coursework and curricula, that integrates experiential learning programs for STEAM students.• Increase the number of under-represented undergraduate STEAM students graduating with Bachelor of Science degrees in agriculture and related studies at DSU.• Utilize existing partnerships to build stronger pipelines for minority student recruitment into various agricultural programs.

Project Methods
The College of Agriculture, Science, and Technology will oversee the project. Students from DSU's Early College High School program nationwide will be recruited and provided with an orientation on opportunities for research in agriculture-related careers. Eligible students will be offered full scholarships through a highly competitive selection process based on DSU admission criteria, underscoring the value and prestige of the opportunity. A broad network, including the Alumni Association, MANRRS program, USDA 1890 Program Liaison, CAST student ambassadors, and the university recruiting network, including faculty, will be involved in recruiting students for the program. A database of all potential students will be kept from the admissions office for follow-up. The CAST Selection Committee consists of the dean, two associate deans, two faculty, one admission representative, and the USDA Liaison Officer who will be involved in implementing the program. This includes selecting scholars, conducting interviews, and awarding scholarships.