Progress 06/01/24 to 05/31/25
Outputs
Target Audience:Primary focus was on supporting CSUMB undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Agricultural Plant and Soil Science (AGPS), with an emphasis on those from low-income and rural communities. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the AGPS program enrolled 128 students. Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college and come from agricultural regions across the Central Coast and Central Valley of California, two of the nation's most productive agricultural regions, supplying a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops year-round. Opportunities for higher education and career development in agriculture have traditionally been limited or difficult to access. Through the NextGen grant, the program provided targeted academic, financial, and professional development support, helping students gain skills and experience relevant to the agricultural workforce. Outreach efforts extended beyond the university, engaging high school and community college students, families, educators, and regional employers. By strengthening connections with local growers and industry representatives, the program worked to align education with workforce needs and expand pathways to careers in agriculture across the region. Changes/Problems:The responsibilities initially assigned to the Internship and Recruitment Coordinator were fulfilled by the Program Director, with support from a part-time Student Success Coordinator who managed student communications, administrative tasks, and logistics. As a result, cost savings were redirected to fund additional scholarships and internships beyond the original budget allocation. Delays have been encountered in the construction of the proposed teaching and research greenhouse, which is intended to support the implementation of AgTech-themed CURE modules. In the meantime, CURE modules have been designed and implemented in the microplot experimental garden, which has been partially supported through this project. The implementation of proposed activities faced challenges due to uncertainty surrounding the availability of AGPS NextGen scholarships and internships while grant funds were frozen in Spring 2025. However, institutional support - by providing upfront funding during the period when grant funds were inaccessible - ensured continuity and prevented significant interruptions, allowing most planned activities to proceed without substantial delays or disruptions. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?23 career development workshops were delivered, engaging 545 student attendees, reflecting repeated participation across sessions by 55 students, and equipping scholarship recipients with essential skills and knowledge to support their academic achievement and professional growth. Topics included USDA career pathways, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, networking, professional communication, time management, and navigating student support services. Workshops featured interactive panels, storytelling, and practical strategies for building strong professional and experiential learning networks. In addition, students participated in one-on-one mentoring, SMART goal-setting, and guided reflection activities to support intentional academic planning and career readiness. A total of 27 students participated in the "Ag Internship-Bootcamp" offering targeted training prior to their summer placements to build the personal and professional skills essential for internship success and long-term career development. The bootcamp covered workplace expectations, effective communication, goal setting, time management, professional conduct and etiquette, and safety protocols. It also included resume reviews, mock interviews, and overviews of internship roles to help students understand their responsibilities and align the experience with their career goals. A total of 27 students completed full-time, 10-week internships during the summer, gaining hands-on experience in key agricultural areas such as crop production, plant breeding, pest management, and agricultural technology. 15 students were placed with leading agricultural companies in the Salinas Valley, including seed and plant breeding firms like Enza Zaden, Vilmorin Mikado, Sakata Seed America, and Plant Sciences, along with major production companies such as Taylor Farms, Braga Fresh Foods, D'Arrigo Bros, Huntington Farms, and Monterey Mushrooms. These internships provided exposure to commercial-scale operations and innovation in seed technology, irrigation and harvest management, food safety, and crop improvement. 9 students interned with USDA scientists from ARS and NRCS at sites across California's Central Coast and Central Valley. These placements focused on applied research in soil health, grower technical assistance, and sustainable farming systems. The remaining 3 students worked with CSUMB faculty on collaborative research projects with local growers, addressing regional challenges including plant pathology, crop physiology, and innovative production practices. 14 of the 27 internships were extended with external funding at the end of the summer, allowing students to continue their work beyond the original placement. 27 students participating in the summer internship program enrolled in the "Agriculture Internship" course, providing academic credit and structured support that strengthened the connection between classroom learning and career readiness in agriculture. A total of 67 students participated in two near-peer mentoring sessions designed to support academic and career development. One session brought together Cohort 1 seniors and recent graduates now working in the agricultural industry, offering students real-world perspectives on transitioning from college to career. The second session connected Cohort 1 seniors with Cohort 2 juniors, allowing upperclassmen to share insights on internships, coursework, and navigating the Agricultural Plant and Soil Science program. These sessions fostered meaningful peer connections and helped students build confidence in their academic and professional paths. 13 students received support to participate in two California Seed Association Industry Tours--one in Woodland and one in Salinas, California--where they visited over a dozen seed production and processing companies. These tours provided valuable exposure to plant breeding, biotechnology applications, and career pathways within the California vegetable seed industry. Students gained firsthand insight into industry operations and formed direct connections with professionals, significantly enhancing their understanding of the field and expanding their prospects for future internships and employment. 8 Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) were developed and integrated into the Agricultural Plant and Soil Science curriculum, expanding hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students. These research modules were integrated into existing courses and focused on key areas such as integrated pest management, weed management, soil amendments, soil microbiology, and molecular biology. Additional modules emphasized building students' skills in inquiry-based learning and experimental design. These CUREs provided over 300 students with authentic research experiences embedded in their coursework, allowing them to apply scientific methods, analyze data, and communicate findings in a collaborative setting. Student evaluations and surveys indicated significant gains in content knowledge, stronger scientific identity, improved communication and teamwork skills, and increased motivation to pursue careers in agriculture and related scientific fields. 148 students participated in one-on-one meetings with the NextGen Academic and Career Enrichment Coordinator. These sessions offered individualized support with career planning, resume and personal statement reviews, interview preparation, and goal setting. The personalized guidance helped students better understand their career options, build confidence, and strengthen their connection with academic support services. 52 students, including all scholarship recipients enrolled in the course "Careers in Agriculture", featuring a wide range of industry leaders and USDA professionals who shared their career journeys in academia, the agricultural industry, and federal agencies. The course provided students with practical guidance on navigating internship and job applications, including how to use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and USAJobs, and how to meet federal resume standards. 7 field trips were supported, engaging a total of 320 student participants. These visits to agricultural industry sites and grower production farms provided real-world hands-on learning experiences in novel irrigation, pest scouting with drones, soil management, crop production, agricultural biotechnology, and in vitro plant propagation. 12 agricultural capstone projects were supported showcasing the work of our graduating students who applied their academic training to real-world challenges in agricultural plant and soil sciences. These student-led research projects explored innovative and sustainable solutions in areas such as soil health, crop physiology, nutrient management, and the use of biostimulants. The capstone experience provided students with the opportunity to integrate scientific knowledge with hands-on inquiry, preparing them for careers in agriculture and beyond. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During the reporting period, the program engaged over 2,500 individuals through a range of outreach and engagement efforts designed to promote the Agricultural Plant and Soil Science (AGPS) program, agricultural career pathways, and opportunities supported by the NextGen grant. Activities included college tours, classroom presentations, guest lectures, school visits, student showcases, open houses, and community events. Information was disseminated through printed materials, digital handouts, e-newsletters, and targeted emails to students, families, educators, USDA partners, and agricultural employers. These efforts reached high school and community college students, family members, educators, and community members across California's Central Coast and Central Valley--particularly in rural, agriculture-focused regions such as the Salinas and Pajaro Valleys. Targeted outreach was conducted in collaboration with USDA scientists, the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), and key grower and industry groups, including the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, the California Seed Association, Western Growers Association, and the California Leafy Greens Research Program. Partnerships were expanded with six new community colleges, supported by campus visits, guest lectures, and counselor meetings focused on the AGPS degree pathway, NextGen scholarships, and internship opportunities. Current NextGen scholars played an active role in these visits, sharing their experiences and building early peer-to-peer connections with prospective students. Outreach also extended to high school students involved in FFA, 4-H, and land-based learning programs through events such as Farm Day and the FARMS Leadership Program. These activities introduced students to the role of agriculture in food systems and encouraged them to pursue higher education and careers in agriculture by demystifying the college experience and offering guidance on applications and financial aid. The NextGen team also participated in CSUMB's Open House, Otter Admitted Day, and Otter Transfer Day. At these events, AGPS student ambassadors helped prospective students explore academic and career opportunities in agriculture, learn about support services, and apply on site. These peer-led interactions boosted enrollment and gave ambassadors valuable experience in leadership and communication. Program outcomes and student experiences were also disseminated at educational and scientific conferences. NextGen scholars and faculty presented posters and participated in panels at regional and national events, sharing research findings, internship outcomes, and program insights. These opportunities increased the visibility of the program, showcased student accomplishments, and demonstrated the broader impact of experiential learning and workforce preparation in agriculture. Together, these outreach and dissemination efforts strengthened the AGPS program's presence, expanded access to agricultural education, and built a robust pipeline of future students and industry partnerships critical to regional workforce development. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the upcoming year, we will build on the progress made in Years 1 and 2 while launching new initiatives aimed at advancing student success in agricultural production education and workforce development. These efforts will continue to center on expanding experiential learning opportunities, providing financial support, delivering academic and career enrichment, strengthening recruitment and outreach, and expanding partnerships with growers, industry representatives, and USDA agencies. Specifically, we will: Objective 1: Award scholarships to returning Cohort 2 (seniors) and new Cohort 3 (juniors), while continuing to promote and refine the application process for the final Cohort 4. Offer academic, professional, and well-being enrichment activities, including mentorship, networking opportunities, and direct connections to internships and job placements with regional agricultural employers and USDA agencies. Conduct exit interviews and focus groups with graduating scholarship recipients to gather feedback and assess program impact. Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the scholarship program in Year 3 using both internal review and external evaluation support. Objective 2: Deliver the Ag-Bootcamp and assess its effectiveness, along with internship program for students. Guide NextGen summer interns and provide individualized check-ins and preparation and support for poster presentations at regional and national conferences. Host a NextGen Internship Presentation Festival open to the local community, growers, and industry representatives, showcasing student projects and fostering connections between students and agricultural professionals. Recruit CSUMB undergraduates and community partners to participate in the Year 3 internship cohort. Evaluate the progress, outcomes, and overall impact of the internship program in Year 3 through coordinated internal and external assessment efforts. Objective 3: Continue engaging in campus and community outreach events, including partnerships with local high schools and community colleges. Expand outreach efforts to community colleges across California through targeted in-person visits and virtual engagement strategies. Organize an in-person, agriculture-focused Career and Internship Fair for CSUMB students, community college students, and local high school participants, while also expanding participation from regional employers and industry partners. Continue developing and implementing AgTech-themed CURE modules focused on hands-on, research-based learning in areas such as drone technology, precision agriculture, and data analytics, and evaluate their impact on student learning and engagement. Develop the AgReady: Career Readiness and Leadership Certificate, offering over 60 hours of focused training in key professional skills such as resume writing, interviewing, communication, and leadership--preparing students for success in internships and careers. Develop the AgTech Remote Pilot Certificate to prepare students for careers in precision agriculture and drone technology through training in FAA drone licensing, remote sensing, GIS, and agriculture-specific applications, supported by career development and internship pathways. Develop and implement outreach strategies to recruit recent graduates and industry professionals as participants and guest instructors in the AgReady and AgTech Remote Pilot Certificate programs, strengthening industry-academic collaboration and enhancing the relevance and impact of training.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Awarded 67 scholarships ($5,000 each) in 2024-2025, 33 in fall and 34 in spring to 16 returning Cohort 1 students and 17-18 new Cohort 2 students. All scholarship recipients were low-income and/or from rural backgrounds and met federal eligibility criteria for financial support. Students also received academic mentoring, professional development resources, and participated in a structured cohort-based learning model. Scholarship support reduced financial burdens and allowed students to focus on academics and career goals. All recipients were retained, passed their courses, and raised their GPA (Seniors from 3.34 to 3.66 and Juniors from 3.08 to 3.4, outperforming non-scholars). By the end of their participation, 15 of the 16 graduating scholars secured employment in fields related to their majors, and one was accepted into a teaching credential program. According to external evaluation findings, the cohort model significantly strengthened students' sense of social and academic belonging. 92% of students felt like valued members of the NEXTGEN community, and 85% said peer support had a positive impact on their progress. Additionally, 94% of scholars reported increased confidence in completing their degree, while 93% noted that the program helped them expand their professional networks. One scholar reflected"The scholarship didn't just ease my financial stress, it gave me the freedom to focus on my studies, explore career opportunities, and build a support network. It was the foundation that made everything else possible." The program's blend of financial aid, community support, and personalized guidance created a high-impact learning environment that advanced student success and strengthened rural pathways into agriculture. As one student shared"This program gave me more than just financial support, it gave me a community that believed in me, mentors who guided me, and the confidence to see myself as a future leader in agriculture. It's not just about getting a degree; it's about becoming someone who can make a real difference in the world." Delivered 23 career development workshops covering USDA careers, resumes, interviews, and networking, along with mentoring, goal-setting, and reflection activities to support students' academic and professional growth. Students reported strong outcomes from the program's career development support. 100% of scholars gained greater clarity in their career goals, and many discovered new experiential learning opportunities. In focus groups, students emphasized how the program helped them build professional skills such as networking and communication that are often missing from traditional STEM coursework but essential for career success. Students praised the NEXTGEN program's integrated mentoring and career support for providing direction and stability. One scholar shared"The NEXTGEN program didn't just help me build a resume, it gave me the tools, guidance, and confidence to see my potential. That kind of support truly made all the difference."? This programming played a critical role in shaping students' professional identities, connecting their classroom learning to real-world careers. The integration of mentoring and skill-building elevated student engagement and equipped them with tools for long-term success in agricultural careers. These efforts also directly support broader national goals by developing a prepared workforce to address pressing agricultural challenges. Supported 27 full-time internships in summer 2024. Internship placements were based on academic performance, financial need, and student interest, with final matches determined by host mentors through interviews. All interns completed a pre-internship Ag-Bootcamp training, and were supported throughout the summer via a dedicated internship portal and Slack channel. They received ongoing mentorship and performance feedback from supervisors, and participated in weekly reflections and a final internship research festival attended by over 100 community members, growers, and industry partners. According to an external evaluation, students overwhelmingly reported positive experiences with the internship program. 93% said their internship met or exceeded expectations, and 86% rated the overall experience as high or very high. Students noted significant growth in professional skills, with 89% improving in areas such as problem-solving and collaboration. Additionally, 96% felt the internship reinforced classroom learning, and 97% left with a clearer understanding of career pathways in agriculture. The 27 NextGen-funded full-time internships marked a more than fivefold increase over the 5 previously secured through external sources, significantly expanding hands-on learning and strengthening students' career readiness in agriculture. Over 50% of interns had their placements extended with external funding, showing the vital role of initial grant-supported internships in connecting students with host sites. The NextGen internship program plays a key role in preparing students for careers in food, agriculture, and natural resources by providing real-world experience, technical skills, and professional confidence to address workforce needs. One student reflected"This internship experience was an amazing opportunity. I was able to put into practice skills I had previously learned while actively gaining new ones. I loved the experience and now have someone in the industry to mentor me." Hosted a career and internship fair with 50 agricultural employers representing sectors such as crop production, agrichemicals, plant breeding, and pest management. The event was open to students from CSUMB, regional community colleges, and middle and high schools, attracting over 250 attendees. The fair provided a dynamic space for students to learn about potential career paths, practice professional communication, and make direct connections with employers. NextGen scholars stood out to industry representatives, who praised their professionalism and preparation. This event expanded access to meaningful career opportunities in the agricultural sector, particularly for first-generation and underrepresented students. 12 NextGen scholarship recipients secured internships or job offers as a direct result of interactions at the event. One student shared"Going to the fair really helped me get a better sense of the job opportunities I'm interested in and make one-on-one connections with employers." The program led 41 outreach and recruitment activities at high schools, community colleges, industry sites, and university events. These included presentations, campus tours, student showcases, and career fairs. Activities engaged 2,451 students and introduced them to the Agricultural Plant Soil Science major, internships, and research experiences. As a result, enrollment in the major grew by 21% in 2024-2025 and an additional 32% in the upcoming 2025-2026, with gains in both freshman and transfer students. The increase reflects the impact of NextGen efforts on raising awareness, expanding access, and generating strong interest in agricultural careers, and serving as a catalyst for engaging students from low-income and rural backgrounds who had not previously connected with CSUMB or agricultural sciences. A microplot experimental garden was established to support the development and implementation of Course-based Undergraduate Research Experienceswithin the Agricultural Plant Soil Science major. The garden enabled students to engage in hands-on, inquiry-based research focused on key agricultural topics such as irrigation, soil nutrition, and pest management. It also served as a living lab for students to design and conduct capstone projects aligned with real-world agricultural challenges. This space expanded experiential learning opportunities, strengthened research skills, and deepened student understanding of applied agricultural science.
Publications
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Progress 06/01/23 to 05/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, the primary focus was on CSUMB undergraduate students, mainly supporting first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented individuals within the FANH fields, particularly those enrolled in the AGPS degree. During the 2023- 2024 academic year, our current Agricultural Plant and Soil Science program enrolled 105 students. Among them, a significant majority--65%--identified as Hispanic, reflecting the overall CSUMB demographics and designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution. Furthermore, over two-thirds--67%--were first-generation college students, and 40% were from low-income backgrounds. These numbers underscore our commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education through the NextGen grant efforts. In addition to serving our student population, we also engaged with various community stakeholders, including high school and community college students, their families, educators, and industry representatives from the Tri-County region. This region encompasses Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties, including predominantly agricultural and rural areas such as the Salinas and Pajaro Valleys. By extending our outreach efforts to these communities, we aimed to create pathways to higher education and career opportunities, particularly within the agricultural sector, thereby contributing to regional economic development and social mobility. Changes/Problems:Changes: -The proposedAg-Researchers Program, initially planned for Fall and Spring semesters, couldn't be implemented in year 1 due to student availability issues and logistical challenges in matching them with research mentors. Consequently, the budgeted funds were redirected to support a larger number of full-time 10-week summer internships. -The proposedposition for the Internship and Recruitment Coordinator remained unfilled due to difficulties in finding qualified candidates. Instead, during year 1, the Program Director oversaw recruitment processes for students and mentors, job/internship placements, and progress tracking, while theAcademic & Career Enrichment (ACE) Coordinator provided support for student internship and professional preparation, including post-evaluations. Additionally, an undergraduate student assistant was hired to handle administrative tasks and logistical duties. Problems: The execution of our planned activities was influenced by various factors, with one significant challenge being the hurdles students faced with their FAFSA applications in 2023-2024 academic year. These difficulties affected the ability of many prospective students to commit to pursuing higher education without the certainty of receiving financial aid. This situation forced some students to postpone their higher education goal and transfer to CSUMB, consequently resulting in them missing the application window for the AGPS scholarship or internship programs. Despite these challenges, we were able to achieve our proposed goals. Moving forward, the processes we established in the first year will enable us to proactively communicate these opportunities and enhance the application experience in the coming year.? What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?- We organized the Cultivating Talent and Harvesting Leaders Career and Internship Fair in February 2024, which featured employers such as USDA agencies (ARS, NRCS, Forest Service) and prominent private companies including D'Arrigo, Taylor Farms, Tanimura & Antle, Monterey Mushrooms, Dole, and Driscoll's, among others. Local agricultural extension agencies also participated. Employers were introduced to NextGen internship opportunities, generating strong interest, with 45% committing to host a NextGen intern. Additionally, 8 Spring 2024 graduating seniors from the Agricultural Plant and Soil Science program successfully secured permanent or temporary positions with local industry and USDA agencies as a result of the connections they made at the fair. - Professional development trainings were offered to enhance student awareness of academic success and well-being resources while fostering confidence through professional networking and clarifying internship opportunities. Workshop topics included academic and career advising, student enrichment and mental health programs, tutoring, disability and accessibility services, resume and cover letter writing, professional networking, and demystifying internships. These trainings significantly improved student preparedness by increasing their resource awareness, boosting networking confidence, and equipping them with the skills to pursue internships and career opportunities in agriculture-related fields. - We redesigned the semester-long AGPS 302: Careers in Agriculture course to highlight diverse career paths in academia, the agricultural industry, and USDA agencies while offering students practical insights into internship and job application requirements. This redesign has better-equipped students with a comprehensive understanding of career opportunities and the skills needed to navigate the application process, ultimately enhancing their career readiness and expanding their professional prospects. - We facilitated opportunities for NextGen scholars and other Agricultural Plant and Soil Science students to build peer connections through meet-and-greets, study sessions, community-building activities, and semester-end celebrations. These initiatives created a supportive environment that promotes both academic success and personal well-being. By nurturing a strong, collaborative community, students have gained a sense of connection, reducing isolation and boosting their confidence and motivation to succeed in both academic and professional pursuits. - The Agricultural Plant and Soil Science Academic & Career Enrichment Coordinator conducted 70 one-on-one meetings with scholarship recipients and other students. These personalized sessions provided career guidance, resume revisions, personal statement feedback, interview preparation, and exploration of professional goals. The direct mentorship from the coordinator strengthened student engagement with academic staff, enhanced student awareness of success strategies, and contributed to their professional growth. This personalized approach had a clear impact, as students gained greater clarity about their career pathways and increased confidence in pursuing opportunities within the agriculture industry and USDA. - We revamped the AGPS 394 Agriculture Internship course to align with the NextGen internship program, offering it during the summer term to provide students with academic credit and structured guidance for internships. This led to a 416% increase in student enrollment, expanding the program's capacity to support experiential learning. The revamped course significantly strengthened the integration of academic and professional development, broadening access to industry and USDA internships and creating more pathways for student success in agriculture-related careers. These changes will have lasting impacts by bridging students' academic learning with career opportunities, ultimately boosting their readiness and opening up greater professional opportunities. - Six students received support to attend the California Seed Association Industry Tour, visiting five seed production and processing companies. This experience gave them valuable exposure to plant breeding and biotechnology applications, career opportunities within the California vegetable seed industry, and direct connections with industry professionals, enhancing their career prospects and potential for internships. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The outcomes of our initiatives have been effectively communicated through a variety of outreach and engagement activities. More than 3000 individuals, including more than 1700 high school and community college students, in addition to family members, educators, and community members were reached through college tours, open houses, school visits, workshops, demonstrations, course presentations, guest lectures, and tabling events. During these engagements, attendees gained insights into the AGPS major, career opportunities in agriculture, experiential learning opportunities, scholarships, campus resources, and student success programs. Information about scholarships, internships, and career fairs was disseminated through a range of channels, including printed and digital materials, e-newsletters, and emails. These communications were distributed to CSUMB students, student applicants from high schools and community colleges, as well as industry and USDA partners. Specific efforts included: - We conducted extensive outreach to industry partners and USDA agencies to promote the NextGen Summer Internship program. This effort included close collaboration with the USDA Office of Partnership & Public Engagement (OPPE) regional liaison and outreach to industry members of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California and the California Leafy Greens Research Program. - Additionally, we expanded our partnerships with local community colleges and established new recruitment relationships with 17 additional institutions. This outreach involved organizing campus visits, guest lectures, and meetings with academic counselors to showcase the AGPS program, NextGen scholarships, and campus resources, as well as offering experiential learning opportunities. The involvement of current Agricultural Plant and Soil Science students, including NextGen scholars, in these activities not only increased their visibility but also allowed them to connect with potential applicants. These interactions helped scholars build confidence and establish themselves as role models while facilitating relationships between incoming students, peer mentors, and faculty. - We also conducted outreach to high school students involved in FFA programs through college tours, open houses, school visits, and 4H community events, such as Farm Day and the Center for Land-Based Learning's FARMS program, engaging over 300 prospective students. During these events, AGPS representatives highlighted agricultural career opportunities, the essential role of ag-related jobs in food security and culture, and the benefits of the current Agricultural Plant and Soil Science program and NextGen scholarships. Campus visits allowed students to experience college life and receive valuable guidance on the application process. These efforts significantly raised awareness of agricultural career pathways, sparking increased interest in pursuing higher education in agriculture and contributing to the development of a future pipeline of AGPS program participants. - The NextGen team also took part in campus-wide recruitment events, including the 2023 CSUMB Open House, Otter Admitted Day, and Otter Transfer Day. During these events, current Agricultural Plant and Soil Science representatives provided direct guidance on the program, financial aid options, and class registration. As a result, several applications were submitted on-site, and interest in the current Agricultural Plant and Soil Science program grew significantly. NextGen scholarship recipients served as ambassadors, which boosted the program's visibility and enrollment while also building their confidence and improving their communication skills through direct interactions with prospective students and their families. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next year / reporting period, we will maintain the activities conducted in year 1 while also initiating new efforts to further bolster student success. This includes facilitating experiential learning opportunities, financial assistance, academic and career enrichment interventions, expanding outreach and recruitment efforts, and continuing to build and strengthen partnerships with industry representatives and USDA agencies. Specifically, we will: Objective 1: -Award scholarships to returning cohort 1 (seniors) and the new cohort 2 (juniors), and continue advertising and improving the application process for cohort 3. -Continue offering academic, professional and well-being enrichment activities, including launching the Ag-Mentoring Program matching scholarship recipients with current Agricultural Plant and Soil Science alumnus/alumna and mentors and role models working in the regional agricultural industry or USDA agencies. -Conduct exit and focus group interviews with graduating scholarship recipients. Objective 2: -Offer the Ag-Bootcamp and assess its impact on CSUMB current Agricultural Plant and Soil Science students -Guide NextGen summer interns providing academic and professional development support through the AGPS 394 Agriculture Internship summer course and individual checking meetings. -Host the AGPS NextGen poster session at the Undergraduate Research Festival on campus, August 9, 2024 Mentor student interns in submitting and presenting poster presentations at national conferences (SACNAS NDiSTEM 2024) -Monitor and distribute the internship experience survey to participating students, and complete data analysis on the internship experience. This will also be accomplished with the support of the external evaluator. -Recruit CSUMB undergraduate students and community partners to participate in the internship program in year 2 Objective 3 -Continue to participate in campus recruitment events and outreach activities with local Community Colleges and High Schools from the Salinas and Pajaro Valleys, and explore opportunities to expand engagement with community colleges across California through target in-person and virtual opportunities. -Organize an in-person Cultivating Talent and Harvesting Leaders Career and Internship Fair for CSUMB and Community College students, as well as students from local high schools and other regional Hispanic Serving Institutions. We will also work on recruiting additional regional employers to participate in the event. -Continue to work on developing and offering AgTech-themed CURE modules and assess their impact.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1: - Awarded 16 scholarships of up to $10,000 to undergraduate students in the Agricultural Plant and Soil Science major. We developed a project-specific, streamlined application process with direct guidance and technical support from financial aid advisors. 81% of recipients were first-generation students, 75% were Hispanic, and 50% were female. 100% of scholarship recipients matriculated full-time and received personalized one-on-one advising that allowed them to develop and refine their career goals, academic progress, internship interests, and resume/personal statement updates. All recipients reported a positive impact of the scholarship on reducing their financial burden and allowing them to focus on academic and professional development. At the end of the scholarship term, 100% of scholars were retained and showed improvements in their academic performance including passing all their courses, improving their GPA, and engaging in summer professional jobs or internships. Some testimonials from these surveys include: "The NextGen scholarship has helped me tremendously, not only financially but also by exposing me to valuable resources and boosting my confidence, both of which have been essential to my academic success."; "Being a recipient of the NextGen Scholarship has greatly impacted my success in the program, allowing me to focus more on my studies without the burden of financial stress." - 6 academic and professional development workshops were offered to Agricultural Plant and Soil Science students to enhance awareness of campus resources and career opportunities. Over 75% of students found the workshops beneficial, gaining new insights into campus services and agricultural careers, including USDA jobs. One student shared: "The workshops played a tremendous role in my success in the program, as they discussed the resources available as a student at CSUMB, which have been crucial for me to take full advantage of." - Established a 100% FTE Academic & Career Enrichment Coordinator position dedicated to supporting NextGen scholars and Agricultural Plant and Soil Science students. This is the first student-centered, non-instructional role within both the Agricultural Plant and Soil Science major and the College of Science. The creation of this role has significantly improved student performance, retention, and sense of belonging, particularly among first-generation and underrepresented students while supporting their academic and career success. Objective 2: - We strengthened partnerships with agrifood industry representatives and USDA agencies, securing internship agreements with 14 new companies and expanding collaborations with USDA ARS and NRCS and NAAS through a HACU internship. These efforts facilitated student placements with local companies and, for the first time, placed interns outside California's Central Coast, broadening access to hands-on, career-relevant experiences in agriculture and government sectors. - Streamlined the internship application process, providing students with multiple opportunities, including personalized resume reviews, interview preparation, and tailored placement matching. A dedicated internship webpage attracted over 50 unique visitors and 200-page visits in 90 days. These efforts doubled the expected number of internships, securing placements for 26 full-time, 10-week interns for summer 2024, while also minimizing logistical challenges for industry partners and strengthening collaboration. - Organized career fair with 50 employers and 150 student attendees, fostering direct engagement with USDA (ARS, NRCS, Forest Service) and private sector partners. The event strengthened student-employer connections, enhanced career readiness, and expanded internship opportunities for students in agriculture-related fields. One student shared: "Going to the fair really helped me get a better sense of the job opportunities I'm interested in and make one-on-one connections with employers." Objective 3: - Hired a graphic design student to create marketing materials for the Agricultural Plant and Soil Science program, promoting NextGen scholarships and internship opportunities. These materials effectively communicated information about the program, including NextGen scholarships, and internship opportunities, increasing visibility and awareness among prospective students and stakeholders. Distributed both in print and digitally to academic counselors and at recruitment events, these materials increased visibility and engagement, attracting a more diverse pool of applicants and strengthening the program's support for student success in agriculture. - Implemented implemented strategic outreach and recruitment efforts to increase awareness and participation in the Agricultural Plant and Soil Science program. This included partnerships with community colleges, engagement with high school students, and participation in outreach events like campus visits, guest lectures, and college tours. As a result, enrollment from local high schools grew by 70%, and transfer student enrollment from community colleges increased by 54%, including students from institutions not previously connected to CSUMB or the program. As one community college student expressed:"I didn't even know CSUMB had an Ag degree, but the campus visit was enough to basically make me commit there. I was a little unsure at first, but the AGPS NextGen program seems amazing." - NextGen scholars actively participated in outreach and recruitment efforts as ambassadors and role models. These efforts not only expanded program visibility and recruitment but also empowered NextGen scholarship recipients by boosting their confidence and enhancing their communication skills through real-world interactions with prospective students and their families. - Supported four students to attend the 2024 NextGen/Agricultural Outlook Forum in Washington, DC. By networking with USDA leadership, visiting key USDA facilities, and actively participating in the Outlook Forum, the students gained valuable insights into agricultural policy, research, and career pathways. This experience had a transformative impact on the participating students, none of whom had previously visited Washington, DC. It broadened their understanding of the agricultural industry, expanded their career aspirations, and strengthened their connection to the USDA, inspiring them to pursue future employment and leadership roles within the USDA and the agricultural industry. One student reported: "Attending the NextGen Forum opened my eyes to the vast career opportunities within the USDA and agriculture as a whole. As a first-generation student from a family of fieldworkers, I never imagined visiting USDA headquarters in DC. Hearing the inspiring stories from USDA staff and other students gave me confidence that I belong here. This experience motivated me to continue expanding my professional journey and exploring how my personal experiences and education can shape the future of agriculture."
Publications
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