Progress 07/15/23 to 07/14/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience was high school and college transfer students who are interested in pursuing a major in one (1) of eight (8) degree programs in the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology (CAFST). Changes/Problems:We are working on a systematic way to increase the number of scholars with the additonal discretionary funding, but maintain the integrity of the career and. professional development activities by holding students accountable for participating. We are also working to better track students upon graduation but will need increased bandwith to do so. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Students participated in multiple opportunities for training and professional development. One student travelled to Zambia on study Abroad Program on July 1, 2024. Many scholars participated in the Mentor Collective Peer mentoring Program organized by the SSWD Center at NCAT. Mentor Collective also initiated Career Mentoring Program. This is also sponsored by SSWD center at NCAT Three scholars participated in the 2024 Agricultural Export Market Challenge organized by the USDA- Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The Ag. Communication department in the College of Ag., Family Sciences and Technology featured at least 2 scholars: https://www.fvsu.edu/about-fvsu/news-room/post/fvsu-student-recognized-by-board-of-regents-for-scholasticachievements? Search=Cloy https://www.fvsu.edu/about-fvsu/news-room/post/fvsu-students-join-the-white-house-hbcu-scholars-initiative?Search=Cloy https://www.fvsu.edu/about-fvsu/news-room/post/double-distinction-fort-valley-state-university-co-valedictorians-inspireexcellence? Search=Cloy https://www.fvsu.edu/about-fvsu/news-room/post/future-childcare-professional-to-graduate-as-co-valedictorian?Search=Cloy Andrea Rubio Villa: https://ag.fvsu.edu/news/fort-valley-state-students-awarded-biennial-research-symposium What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to continue our work in increasing visiblity of the program and in particular scholars by featuring them in communications produced by our Agricultural Communications unit. We are also working to refine participation of our Ag alumni in exposiing students to career opportunities and experiences with USDA and private sector ag companies.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Students will be recruited, engaged, mentored and train for a career in agriculture and related majors upon graduation from FVSU. Selected students in CAFST will be provided scholarships to reduce debt upon graduation and eliminate the need for second jobs during their years as a student scholar. During their years as ag scholars at FVSU, students will be engaged, mentored and trained to be workforce ready upon graduation. Accomplishments Major goals of the project 1. Increase the number of students enrolling and graduating with a degree in agriculture and related majors. 2. Increase the number of work-force ready graduates in agriculture and related majors for USDA and associated agricultural industries. 3. Reduce debt of students in ag and related majors upon graduation and allow them to thrive in their chosen field. What was accomplished under these goals? Ten (10) scholars presented at the 14th Annual Research and Creative Works Symposium, April 24-25, 2024. Seven (7) scholars received awards at the annual Awards and recognition TEA organized by the Department of Family and Consumers Sciences. Over fifty-two (52) scholars were honored at both the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology's 2024 Agri- Demic Forum Awards Banquet and on Honor Convocation Day at the university level. One of the scholars earned honors as one of two spring 2024 Valedictorians (Elisha Cloy). One student travelled to Zambia on study Abroad Program on July 1, 2024. Thirty-one (31) scholars graduated during the 2020-2024 period and about 52% of the graduates have either secured jobs or will be pursuing graduate studies • One student is working for the USDA-FSA, • One student is working at Land O'Lakes. • One student is working at Corteva. • Seven (7) students will be or are already pursuing graduate studies. • Two students entered veterinary medical school. • Two students are working for the Department of Defense (1 active duty)). • Three scholars participated in the 2024 Agricultural Export Market Challenge organized by the USDA- Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
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Progress 07/15/22 to 07/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:TARGET AUDIENCE: The 1890 Scholarships Program is intended to support: 1) the recruitment of outstanding high school and transfer students into 1890 institutions; engagement; 3) retention; 4) mentorship; and training of undergraduate students to pursue baccalaureate degrees in food and agricultural sciences and related fields that will result in a highly skilled workforce in the food and agriculture sectors. Changes/Problems:We continue to look for ways to engage our 1890 scholars more efficiently and effectively. We do need a staff member to provide the type of attention and mentorship that we are looking for. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Students are required to particpate in MANNRS and professional development conferences as well as conduct undergraduate research and give oral and or poster presentations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Yes, our Ag Communications team continues to highlight our 1890 scholars on social media and in print Faith Fantroy: https://ag.fvsu.edu/news/fort-valley-state-university-student-returns-receive-her-degree Mckenzie MccLusckey: https://ag.fvsu.edu/news/force-be-reckoned-fort-valley-states-first-meat-judging-team-wins-national-award Bryce Paster: https://ag.fvsu.edu/news/trusting-unexpected-graduate-earns-agricultural-economics-degree Casey Hunter: https://ag.fvsu.edu/news/we-me What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We continue to look for ways to increase visibility of the 1890 scholars and dissiminate information advertising the program.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Non-Technical Summary Departments {NO DATA ENTERED} Animal Science The Fort Valley State University 1890 Scholarship Program (FVSU1890sp) will provide scholarships to support recruitment, engagement, retention, mentorship and training of undergraduate students who major in food, agriculture and related sciences at Fort Valley State University. The results will increase the number, diversity and placement of a highly skilled workforce in food, agriculture and related industries. Effort will also culminate in reducing student debt of associated graduates. Accomplishments Major goals of the project 1. Increase number of students pursuing baccaleureate degrees in food, agriculture and related sciences through financial assistance in the form of academic scholarships. 2. Improve soft skills and technical competencies needed for the workforce. 3. Increase the competitiveness of students for careers in government, and private food, agriculture and related industries as well as for graduate and professional schools. 4. Reduce student debt of graduates in the food, agriculture and related industries. What was accomplished under these goals? Overall, a total of 213 scholarships were awarded to 114 scholars totaling up to $779,376 during the 2022-2023 academic year, see Table 1. Table 1. SEMESTER # OF SCHOLARSHIPS TOTAL AMOUNTS # of Scholars Fall 2022 111 $402,879 Spring 2023 102 $376,497 Total 213 $779,376 113 Club membership Almost all the scholars are members of the FVSU Chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), Agri-Demic Forum and other discipline specific clubs (Animal Science Club, Vet Science Club, Family and Consumer Science Club, etc.) Professional Development (leadership training, internships, study abroad, etc.): At least, 2 scholars have participated in the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) leadership training. Fourteen (14) scholars participated in the 2023 MANNRS National Conference. Three (3) scholars participated in the 2023 MANRRS National pre-conference field trip to AGCO headquarters in Atlanta where scholars were introduced to new technologies in tractor manufacturing and were also given tractor driving lessons. One of the scholars was awarded a Farm Credit VIP Scholarship to attend the MANRRS National Conference. In addition, 4 scholars participated in global experiential learning trips to Belize, Ghana, and the Cote D'Ivoire. In terms of internships and undergraduate research, at least 9 scholars interned or participated in research activities at various agribusiness companies, federal Government departments, and universities. These included Land O'Lakes, Syngenta, National Crop Insurance (NCIS), Robins Air force Base, Fort Valley State University, Wake Forest University, Morehouse School of Medicine, University of California at Davis (US-Davis), and the University of Georgia. Also, about 5 Scholars also participated in conference presentations and quiz bowl competitions where one student won first place in poster presentation. (Furthermore, Student Awards: 1. 2023 Valedictorian 2. First place for poster presentation 3. 2023 Farm Credit VIP Scholar 4. More than 50 scholars were honored by the university at the 2023 Honors Convocation and by College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology (CAFST) for their academic achievements. Retention: The team worked closely with the university's Student Engagement Achievement (SEA) Center with respect to advisement of freshmen and sophomores. Starting in fall 2022 semester, we started a peer mentoring program through Mentor Collective, a company hired by Motivate and Educate for Achievement (MEA) Center of Excellence to help retain freshmen and sophomores. A total of 39 mentors (juniors and seniors from the CAFST) signed up but only 16 underwent the training. The trained mentors were matched with 31 mentees (freshmen and sophomores). This opportunity was opened to all freshmen in the college, but sophomores were supposed to be FVSU 1890 Scholars. Overall, approximately 97% percent of 2022-2023 scholars were retained. Graduates and Employment and Graduate/Professional School: So far three scholars have graduated, and they all have been placed. Two are in graduate school at Tuskegee University (Agricultural economics and DVM). The third student is employed by BASF in North Carolina with a starting annual salary of $75,000. Table 2. Professional Development # of Scholars Agriculture Future Farmers of America 2 2023 MANRRS National Conference 14 AGCO Field Trip 3 Internships 4 Undergraduate Research 5 Department Of Defense 1 Study abroad 4 Conference Presentations 5
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Progress 07/15/21 to 07/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience were high school and college transfer students who are interested in pursuing a major in one (1) of eight (8) degree programs in the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology (CAFST). Changes/Problems:Efforts to increase Retention Rate (RR) will be attemped by improving engagment, advising and mentoring of scholars to supplement understanding of career options in agriculture, USDA by curriculum and university. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Project linked with MANRRS, USDA and FVSU Office of Student Engagement for training opportunities and professional development. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information disseminated to target communities through campus social medial outlets, hard copies distributed at on and off campus events led by Office of Admission, Enrollment Management, Financial Aid as well as CAFST alumni, Life-on-the-Farm exhibit, 4H & Youth events from FVSU CAFST Cooperative Extension Program, campus student organizations and other on campus events. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Next reporting period we are planning improvements in peer mentoring, academic advising and career couseling.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Scholarships were provided to 110 (19%) undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology (CAFST) at Fort Valley State University (FVSU). For Fall, 2021 enrollment increase in five (5) of eight (8) undergraduate degree programs which resulted in a 9% growth in the college. Scholars joined various student organizations and participated in leaderships training activities by the university, industry and USDA. Other impacts included increase of 32 degrees awarded and 1.1 increase in Graduation Rate-GR for CAFST.
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