Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience was minority youth (middle and high school students) attending five local middle schools, in addition to the Orangeburg-Wilkerson (O-W) Technology Center, which is located in rural Orangeburg, South Carolina. Students enrolled in the CYPRESS Programs (4H After-School programs, Summer Camps, and the Ag-Science Course at the Technology Center) were exposed to agricultural and related careers through a variety of learning strategies, such as informal classroom instruction; open discussions; presentation by guest speakers; hands-on activities; games; and/or via field trips. Changes/Problems:There were no major changes. The focus for CYPRESS has been maintained and successful in meeting the goals and objectives. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?CYPRESS provided three types of professional opportunities: 1) Training for college students working as Summer Camp Counselors (3 days) - designed to prepare students to serve as mentors for the camp. 2) Teacher Workshops, especially for science teachers - to enlighten teachers on creative ways to incorporate Ag in the classroom, in addition to other resources available to teachers. 3) Parent Workshops - to provide parents with information to support their child's interest in Ag, such as programs, scholarships, and etc. Training and Professional Development Opportunities Each year, 2 to 3 undergraduateand graduate students (working on the grant) participate in professional development/training workshops via the followingnational conferences: (1) Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) in December 2015, 2016, & 2017 - Tuskegee, AL; (2) Minorities in Agricultural, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) Annual Training & Career Fair held in April 2015, 2016, & 2017; (3) SC State University Research Symposium held in April 2016. In addition, the PI and co-PI participate in the conferences hosted by USDA/NIFA. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The CYPRESS Team has utilized several avenues to get the word out about our successful program: Utilized social media - Facebook page - to update parents on daily field trips and activities during summer camps Participated in several community events, such as career/job fairs Word of Mouth and Testimonies from parents and student participants Presentations at local, state, and national conferences Hosted Teacher/Parent workshops Abstract publications Journal publications (submitted and pending for 2017) What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The focus for CYPRESS has been maintained and successful in meeting the goals and objectives. The team plans to continue to expose minority youth to agriculture related careers via CYPRESS activities by adding on and the addition of two Technology Centers and five middle schools, if the CYPRESS grant is renewed through USDA/NIFA for three more years. However, we can improve in the following areas: 1) Ag-Course at the Technology Center - work with the high school administrators to ensure college-bound students are allowed to enroll in the course to enhance the pipeline from middle to high school. Work on continuing the efforts to recruit high school students to major in Agriculture related careers. 2) Jr. MANRRS Program - maintaining an ongoing program with the high school students. Currently, the team invites alumni back to assist with the summer camp recreational events to keep them informed about Ag-related programs during high school. 3) Teacher Workshops - recruitment of more science teachers and guidance counselors at the middle and high school level.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) To generate an interest in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, and Agricultural Career fields among diverse student populations The CYPRESS Team continued to implement the revised 2014 Agriculture Track Curriculum for the high school students enrolled at the Technology Center. 2014 - 2017 Academic Year, the majority of high school students enrolled were not on college-tracks and had little interest in agriculture. The students interested in the program (students who had previously participated in the CYPRESS programs during middle school) were not able to enroll in the Ag Track because of scheduling conflicts with Honors and AP Classes. From 2014 to 2017, a total of 304 students has been exposed to agriculturerelated careers via the CYPRESS programs: 4H-After-School programs (225 students), summer residential camps (65 students), and Ag-Science career track at the Technology Center (14 students). The results of post evaluations from summer camps participants revealed a steady increase (from 37% to 48% over three years) in interested among students wanting to pursue agriculturerelated careers. In addition, some 4H After-school participants either completing only the pre- or post-survey, revealed an increased interest in Ag careers over the past three years from 35% to 41%. Data showed that these 4H students either started the program and left due to other committed activities or entered the program after the fall session had started, therefore, students were unable to complete both surveys. Overall, these increases can be contributed to the enhanced structuring of the field trip and lesson plans to incorporate education preparation, life skills, and job duties that related to various careers. On the other hand, the decrease in interest for Ag related careers can be contributed to students being enrolled in the program by default or just scheduling convenience; discovered that agriculture was not what they really wanted to do; or undecided and need more information to make a true decision. Also, there has been a steady increase (from 38% to 58% over the past three years) among the participants enrolled in the 4H After-school program who were not sure about majoring in an Ag-related career. However, these students did complete the pre- and post-survey. The good news is that a lot of students, especially middle school students, were exposed to agriculture and related careers via the CYPRESS Program. The JR MANRRScomponent: CYPRESS TEAM has not been effective in recruiting students this year. However, we have had 3 alumni (past summer camp participants) to return and assist with recreational activities during 2016 and 2017 Summer Camps. 2) To develop an informed public concerning food and agricultural sciences issues, such as teachers, guidance counselors, and parents The CYPRESS Team hosted 1 teacher workshops with three attendees. Results revealed that 100% were not science teachers, but worked with K-12 students.However,100 % of participants benefited from the workshop and will be able to utilize the information received. All participants agreed the workshop was very informative. The CYPRESS Team hosted three parent workshops with fifty-six attendees. Results revealed that 83% to 100% of the parents' knowledge regarding agriculture and related careers increased, in addition to the parents being excited about their kids participating in the CYPRESS programs. 3) To increase recruitment of students to SC State in majors leading to careers in food & agricultural sciences The CYPRESS II Team utilizes the Summer Camp, 4H Program, and the Ag Science courses at the Technology Center as recruitment tools for students to major in Ag related fields at SC State University and other surrounding HBCUs. Currently, 1 Summer Camp Alumni (2012) is attending the university and majored in nutrition (Fall 2016). Recruitment from the Technology Center has not been as successful as the teamexpected. Overall, one studenthas been recruited from the CYPRESS summer camp, but none from the TechnologyCenter. Most high school students enrolled were not on college-tracks and had little interest in Agricultural Careers. Currently, we are competing for students enrolled in honors, AP, and IB programs that are interested in agriculture but unable to enroll (in the Ag Track) due to time conflicts with required major courses. However, most of the students (73%) enrolled in the Ag science course did state that their knowledge about programs and career options was enhanced. Since 2014, the High School Counselors have used the Ag-track program as a dumping ground for troubled or special needs students. , In addition, the team maintains contact with most of the CYPRESS Program alumni to encourage them to apply for the summer program - Ag Discovery at SC State University, since they are not able to enroll in the Ag Science course during high school. However, 2 student CYPRESS Summer Camp Alumni have attended an Ag Discovery summer program at the university. Also, Summer Camp Alumni (Jr MANNRS - high school students) are invited back to assist with recreational events during annual summer camps to share their experiences with other middle school students. So far, one alumni assisted in 2016 and three in 2017. Since 2014, 2 undergraduate students, working with the CYPRESS Team, have been recruited to major in Agribusiness at the Masters level at SC State University. Several undergraduate and graduate students working with the grant have graduated from the university with ag-related majors (1- biology; 1- nutrition; 3 - physical activity management (parks & recreation); and 2 - Agri-business). Other students have graduated and pursued graduate degrees in majors such as education (1), counseling education (1) and rehab counseling (1). Since 2014, the PI has participated in 6 career fairs and job fairs hosted at Clark Middle School, North Middle/High School, SC State University, and Voorhees College to share information with students about Ag related careers. In addition, all team members, including the undergraduate and graduate students, continue to promote Ag related careers to their peers and others. 4) Enhance existing curriculum for courses already in place within the Health Science Department and Graduate Education Program, which the CYPRESS Team facilitates agricultural career awareness among students enrolled at SC State University. Both undergraduate and graduate students have heard about Agriculturerelated careers while being enrolled in various courses taught by the CYPRESS Grant Team at SC State University. In addition, some of these individuals have been recruited by the CYPRESS Grant to receive tuition scholarships (10 students); work-study opportunities (9 students); and serve as summer camp counselors (20 students). 5) To develop a model that others seek to host CYPRESS Programs can be an effective model for increasing students' awareness of agriculturerelated careers, especially at the middle school level. Currently, 304 middle and high school students have been exposed to a variety of careers via the 4H-After-School Programs; Summer Residential Camp; and the enhanced curriculum at the Technology Center. Teachers and parents gained knowledge regarding Ag related careers via annual workshops. Participants are better equipped to support students' career interests. CYPRESS activities ignited an Agricultural interest with the middle school students that can be supported at the high school level via the Technology Center with the assistance of the administration in providing college-track students. Overall, the CYPRESS Team has established a seamless pipeline for minority youth to be exposed to Ag related career choices from middle to high school. However, the support is required from the Administrative team at the high school level to make it successful.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
McCrary-Quarles, A. & Mathis, Jr., C. (2017). Discovering Agricultural Related Careers through CYPRESS. Professional Agricultural Workers Journal (pending)
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Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audience is as follows: 1) Summer Camp and After-school program is middle school students, primarily attending schools within Orangeburg District Five. 2) Ag Science Track at the Technology Center is for High School Students. 3) Parent Workshop is for parents of students attending the 4H program and summer camp. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training and Professional Development Opportunities Our undergraduateand graduate students working on the grant were able to participant in professional development/training workshops via the followingnational conferences: (1) Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) in December 2015 - Tuskegee, AL; (2) Minorities in Agricultural, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) Annual Training & Career Fair held in April 2016 - Houston, TX.; (3) SC State University Research Symposium held in April 2016. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination During 2015-2016, the CYPRESS II Team (PI/co-PI/students) disseminated information regarding grant activities and findings via presentations and poster sessions at national conferences and a research symposium. Also, information was shared with the community during participation in job fairs, community day events, student career fairs, and the parent workshop. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Plans for the next cycle Currently, the Summer Camp, 4H After-School Program and the Parent Workshop are going well. However the Teacher Workshop and the Jr. MANRRS Program are still work in progress. During the next cycle, the CYPRESS grant team will focus on the following: Continuing established plans for the Summer Camp, 4H After-School Program and the Parent Workshop. Revamp the high school program to include hosting an Ag Awareness Career Day with all students, since some students are unable to take the Ag Science course. Try to get teachers buy-in to attend a Teacher Workshop Try to revamp the Jr. MANRRS program to get high school students interested in attending Publishing at least one article by 2017 regarding the CYPRESS II Grant.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
What was accomplished under these goals? The overall goal for the CYPRESS II Grant is to expose and generate an interest for the field of Agriculture among minority youth by creating a seamless pipeline from middle to high school that supports and prepares students for Agricultural related career choices in the future. Listed below are the accomplishments for each objective: Objective 1: To increase youth exposure to Ag-related careers Overall, 99 students have been exposed to various Ag-related careers and participated in hands-on learning activities via: a) 4H After-School Program involved middle school students attending one of five schools in Orangeburg District 5. The 4H Program was conducted throughout the academic year (September 2015 - April 2016). A total of 56 students participated in the program. A pre-and post-survey was utilized. Out of 56 students, only 27(48%) completed the survey. The results revealed: 100% of the students wanted to attend college and 26% wanted to major in Ag related fields. b) CYPRESS II Summer Camp 2016 involved middle school students. The summer camp was conducted during June 2016. It was a residential camp housed at SC State University. Students were exposed to college life and traveled throughout South Carolina on daily field trips that highlighted different Ag related careers with hands-on activities. A total of 32 students participated: 18 (56%) new students and 14 (44%) returning students. A post evaluation tool was utilized and revealed: 44% of the students were interested in pursuing Ag related careers and 100% stated that they would recommend the camp to their friends. c) Ag Science Track at the Technology Center was during the school year (August 2015 - June 2016; Monday - Friday) for high school student interested in pursuing an Agricultural career. Topics covered included college prep/exploration; Ag overview; soil preparation/crop production; Ag mechanics; biotechnology; environmental issues; Ag business; Ag science careers; greenhouse effect; pesticides; fertilizations; and life lessons. A post evaluation tools was utilized to collect data. For this academic year, there were a total of 11 high school students enrolled for the course: (6 students for the fall semester and 5 students for the spring semester. Out of the 11 students, only 1(9%) student was interested in an Ag related career; however, 6 (55%) were undecided. Overall, 73% agreed that the course did enhance their knowledge of Ag programs and careers. d) JR MANRRS - challenging to implement with the high school students, since several students have committed to other afternoon school activities and/or do not have transportation to participate after hours or on the weekends. Still work in progress. Objective 2: To develop an informed public regarding agricultural careers Conducted 1 workshop with 25 parents during May 2016. Overall, 100% of the parents agreed that the workshop was informative and their knowledge of agriculture and various careers increased from attending the Workshop. However, the team was unable to conduct a Teacher's Workshop. The PI did participated in a health fair at Voorhees College during the spring 2016 and shared information with college students about Ag related careers. All team members, including the undergraduate and graduate students working on the grant, promote Ag related careers to their peers and others throughout the year. Objective 3: To increase student recruitment to SC State University in Agricultural related fields The CYPRESS II Team utilizes the Summer Camp, 4H Program, and the Ag Science courses at the Technology Center as recruitment tools for students to major in Ag related fields at SC State University and other surrounding HBCUs. Currently, 1 Camp Alumni (2012) is attending the university and majoring in nutrition for the Fall 2016; 1 high school student attended Ag Discovery this summer (2016) at SC State University; and 2 students (working with the grant) received their degrees in nutrition (undergraduate student) and Agri-business (graduate student) during May 2016. Recruitment from the high school Ag Science Track has not been as successful as the team would have expected this year. Future plans include enhancing recruitment efforts at the high school level for students on college tracks. Currently, we are competing with students enrolled in honors, AP, and IB programs that are interested in agriculture but unable to enroll in the Ag Sciences Track at the Technology Center due to time conflicts with required major courses. However, the majority of the students (73%) enrolled in the Ag science course did stated that their knowledge about programs and career options was enhanced. In addition, we are keeping in contact with our CYPRESS Summer Camp alumni and encouraging them to attend Ag Discovery at SC State University, since they are not able to enroll in the Ag Science course during high school. Objective 4: To enhance agricultural career awareness among students, faculty, and staff at SC State University The PI and Co-PI continue to incorporate Ag-related topics and career opportunities within the classes being taught at the undergraduate and graduate level. In addition, information is being shared via presentations at career fairs, research symposiums, MANRRS meetings, and departmental meetings. Undergraduate and graduate students (working with the grant) were able to increase their knowledge of agriculture and related careers by attend workshops at professional conferences, such as the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) in December 2015 and the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) Annual Training & Career Fair in April 2016. Objective 5: To assist in expanding curriculum choices at the Technology Center The curriculum for the Ag Science Track has already been expanding (2014) to include the following topics: Agricultural Awareness / Development of Leadership Skills Agricultural Mechanics & Technology Environmental & Natural Resources Management Plant & Animal Systems Wildlife Management The team has the curriculum already in place. We just need the students. However, the problem is recruiting the students who are interested and/or have attended the CYPRESS Summer Camp or 4H Program. Currently, we are competing with students enrolled in honors, AP, and IB programs who are interested in agriculture, but unable to take the course at the Technology Center due to time conflicts with required courses. Once we are able to recruit more students, the curriculum will be enhanced further to support the interest of the enrolled students. Objective 6: To develop a model program for recruiting minority youth into Agricultural workforce The CYPRESS II Model is an excellent and effective model for increasing awareness and exposure to the field of agricultural, in addition to recruiting minority youth for agricultural related careers for the future. With the various CYPRESS II Programs, the pipeline has been established between middle and high school to support the interest of the students and to increase awareness of parents and teachers. Overall, the summer camp program seems to be the favored activity for engaging students. It provides ongoing exposure of hands-on activities that promotes awareness of variety of agriculture-related careers. The 4H After-School Program is next in line for exposing and promoting Ag-related careers.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audienceconsisted of the following: 1) For the Summer Camps and 4H After-school Programs, the target audience were minority youth(6th - 8th graders) attending one of the six middle schools within the Orangeburg County School District Five (North, Bowman, Clark, Howard, Felton Laboratory and the Alternative School). 2) For the MANRRS Program, the target audience wereminority youth enrolled in8th through 12th grade. 3) For the Parent Workshops, the target audience wereparents of students attending the summer camp program. 4) For the Teacher Workshops, the target audience were teachers, especially science teachers, and guidance counselors within the Orangeburg County School District Five. 5) For the Curriculum Enhancement at the Technology Center, the target audience were students enrolled in the Introduction to Agriculture Course. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Our undergraduateand graduate students working on the grant were able to present and participant in professional development/training workshops via the followingnational conferences: 1) Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) in December 2014 - Tuskegee, AL. 2) Minorities in Agricultural, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) Annual Training & Career Fair held in April 2015 - Houston, TX. Ms. Bush (Graduate Student) placed third at the PAWC Conference.Also, all college students working on the grant have to become a member of the MANRRS Chapter at SC State University. In addition, the PI and Co-PI for the grant were able to attend several professional workshops and seminars while participating in national conferences, such as the USDA-NIFA Project Directors' Meeting (Sept 2014); African Diaspora Symposium (Nov 2014; and the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (April 2015). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During 2014-2015, the CYPRESS II Team disseminated information regarding grant activities and findings via presentations and poster sessions at national conferences; Brown Bag Lunch Series at SC State University; Departmental meetings, and published abstracts. Also, information has been shared with the community during our participation in job fairs, communityevents, student career fairs, and the parent workshop. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continuing plans for the Summer Camp, 4H After-School Program and the Parent Workshop. Re-establishing the Introduction to Ag course at the Technology Center, since the administration has changed (new guidance counselor). Conducting a teacher workshop with the Orangeburg County School District to increase recruitment efforts of teachers and guidance counselors working with students within 6th - 12th grade. Starting the Jr. MANRRS program for interested students in 8th - 12th grade. Publishing at least one article.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
What was accomplished under these goals? The major goal was to expose and generate an interest for the field of Agriculture among minority youth, in addition to creating a seamless pipeline from middle to high school that supports and prepares students for Ag -related career choices in the future. Under this goal, six objectives were established: Objective 1: To increase youth exposure to Ag-related careers Overall, 119 students have been exposed to various Ag-related careers in 2015 via summer camp and 4H After-school programs. However, the percentage of students interested in pursuing Ag-related careers ranged from 24% to 38%. The Jr. MANRRS Program is still in the planning phase. Type of Program: Summer Camp # Students Exposed to Ag-related careers: 32 students (22 new students; 10 returning students) Hands-on Activity Involved: Yes # Students Interested in Pursuing Ag-related careers: Yes: 12 (37%); No: 7 (22%); Undecided: 13 (41%) Evaluation Type: Post Evaluation Type of Program: 4H After-School Programs # Students Exposed to Ag-related careers: Total Students = 29 (Clark, Felton, Bowman, and North Middle Schools) Hands-on Activity Involved: Little to none # Students Interested in Pursuing Ag-related careers: Yes: 10 (35%) to 11 (38%); No: 5 (17%) to 7 (24%); Undecided: 14 (48%) to 11(38%) Evaluation Type: Pre and Post Survey Type of Program: 4H After-School Program # Students Exposed to Ag-related careers: Total Students = 58 (Alternative School and Howard Middle School) Hands-on Activity Involved: Little to none # Students Interested in Pursuing Ag-related careers: Yes: 14 (24%); No: 29 (50%); Undecided: 15 (26%) Evaluation Type: Pre or Post Survey (only one) Type of Program: Jr. MANRRS (Still in the planning phase) Objective 2: To develop an informed public regarding agricultural careers Conducted one workshop with parents of the students attending summer camp. Overall, the majority of the parents' knowledge of agriculture and various careers increased from attending the 2015 Workshop. The Teacher Workshop is still in the planning phase. Type of Program: Parent Workshop Number of Participants: Total of 19 Knowledge of Agriculture has increased by attending workshop: 16 (84%) Agreed; 3 (16%) Neutral Learned about various Ag-related career my child can pursue in college: 19 (100%) Agreed Evaluation Type: Post Evaluation Type of Program: Teacher Workshop (Still in the planning phase) ?Objective 3: To increase student recruitment to SC State University in Agricultural related fields Recruited 1 student to the Agri-Business Graduate Program at SC State University for the Fall 2015. During 2015, there were only three students enrolled at the Technology Center in the Introduction to Agriculture Course. All of the students enrolled were classified as special needs and not on a college career track. Future plans include enhancing recruitment efforts at the high school level for students on college tracks. Currently, we are competing with students enrolled in honors, AP, and IB programs that are interested in agriculture but unable to take the course at the Technology Center due to time conflicts with required courses. Objective 4: To enhance agricultural career awareness among students, faculty, and staff at SC State University The PI and Co-PI continue to incorporate Ag-related topics and career opportunities within the classes being taught at both the undergraduate and graduate level. In addition, information is being shared via presentations at Brown Bag Lecture Series each academic year and departmental meeting. Undergraduate and graduate students (working with the grant) are also able to increase their knowledge of agriculture and related careers by attend workshops at professional conferences, such as the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) Annual Training & Career Fair. Objective 5: To assist in expanding curriculum choices at the Technology Center We have to work with the Director at the Technology Center to promote the curriculum we already have in plan before we are able to expand on the choices. The current curriculum offers the following: Agricultural Awareness / Development of Leadership Skills Agricultural Mechanics & Technology Environmental & Natural Resources Management Horticulture Plant & Animal Systems Wildlife Management Once we are able to recruit more students, the curriculum will be enhanced to support the interest of the enrolled students. Objective 6: To develop a model program for recruiting minority youth into Agricultural workforce The CYPRESS II Grant has developed an effective model for recruiting minority youth for agricultural related careers via the following combination of programs: 1) Summer Camps (6th - 8th grade) 2) 4H After-School Program (6th - 8th grade) 3) Jr. MANRRS Program (8th - 12th grade) 4) Parent & Teacher Workshops 5) Introduction to Ag Course at the Technology Center (9th - 12 grade) The summer camp program seems to be the favored activity that engages students with an ongoing exposure of hands-on activities that promotes awareness of variety of agriculture-related careers. The 4H After-School Programs are next in line for exposing and promoting Ag-related careers among youths.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Title: Discovering Agricultural Related Careers through CYPRESS
Presented during the following Conferences/Meetings:
1) USDA-NIFA Project Directors' Meeting held in Washington, DC in September 2014.
2) South Carolina State University - Brown Bag Lunch Seeries for Faculty and Staff - held during October 2014.
3) African Diaspora Symposium held at Claflin University during November 10 - 13, 2014
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Title: Discovering Agricultural Related Careers through CYPRESS
Presented at the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education Conference held during April 9 -11, 2015 in Charleston, SC.
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