Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The goal of AR CommUniversityis to increase the number of underrepresented minority (URM) rural 6th to 12th grade students pursuing agricultural degrees and entering the agriculture workforce in Arkansas. AR CommUniversity is a multidisciplinary and collaborative partnership of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Arkansas Tech, Arkansas State, MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences), and community partners, Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools and Crystal Bridges. In partnership with UAF, Lighthouse houses the first and only JR MANRRS, located in a small rural community, with 76% of students identifying as Black/African American, 2% as Hispanic/Latino, and 18% white. AR CommUniversity holistically supports and expands URM rural students' knowledge and experience with agricultural sciences in education and extension functions throughout the state of Arkansas. AR CommUniversity focuses on(Goal 1) creating immersive experiential curriculum for 100 URM rural 6th to 12th grade students (per year); (Goal 2) Mentorship and leadership opportunities in partnership with 50 collegiate MANRRS students; and (Goal 3) creation of JR MANRRS curriculum and instructional materials as well as an AGRI-STEM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Outreach Summit to amplify AR CommUniversity partnerships and stakeholders across the state of Arkansas. AR CommUniversity plays a key role in building an AGRI-STEM pathway program that impacts URM rural communities in supporting the land-grant mission in the state of Arkansas
Animal Health Component
45%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
10%
Applied
45%
Developmental
45%
Goals / Objectives
Table 1. Project GoalsInputs for Goal AttainmentMeasurable OutcomesTimelineGoal 1: Provide 8 statewide experiential learning opportunities throughout each year100 6th to 12th grade students will visit ALSEA, Discovery Farms, NERREC, UAPB, AR Tech, and AR State campuses each yearReflections and significant increase in awareness of agricultural fieldsPre- and post-event; annuallyGoal 2: Mentorship from 50 collegiate MANRRS students and developing leadership skills50 MANRRS collegiate students will participate in tours and will serve as mentors for 100 6th-12th grade students; all will participate in leadership activities and identity developmentTravel, increase in sense of belonging, identity, mentorship, leadership skills via Qualtrics surveysQuarterlyGoal 3a: Development of webpage, curriculum, and resourcesCreation of webpage, adding data, photos, experiences, information, and connecting with AR educators; development of JR MANRRS curriculum to recruit additional students to participate in programWebpage created; tracking number of visitors; tracking partnerships with AR educators; creation of flyers/pamphlets about JR MANRRSAnnuallyGoal 3b: DEI SummitPlanning and implementation of statewide event with Crystal Bridges and all project partnersParticipation and attendance; increase in awareness of AR CommUniversity, MANRRS, JR MANRRS, Lighthouse and DEI in agricultureYear 3
Project Methods
Qualitative and quantitative methods of evaluation, such as surveys, interviews, participation numbers, and student experience reflections, will be collected during the implementation of the project and at the end of the project.Data will be collected using quantitative and qualitative methodology, such as number of students participating in all 8 tours/visits (each year), and increase in awareness regarding agriculture fields and careers. In addition to these outcome measures, student demographic data will be collected (age, race/ethnicity, gender, First Gen status), as well as recruitment strategies used, retention efforts, graduation (HS, college, etc.), and partnerships formed. The evaluation and reporting will be handled using (i) communication with the students during the tours with program feedback surveys (throughout program and after), and (ii) program feedback and surveys from all stakeholders (including parents, faculty, staff) and collaborators in the project as well as during Year 3's DEI Summit. The two main areas of data collection will be formative feedback for monitoring program activity implementation and summative outcome measures for evaluating the success of program implementation. Qualtrics surveys will be used to assess students' experiences, identity/belonging, relationships with mentors and peers, and awareness of agricultural sciences and careers. The PI will assess the impact using quantitative pre- and post-test survey methodology that evaluates students' knowledge of agricultural sciences, engagement, professional development, and qualitative methods to assess student experiences and identity development.