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INVESTIGATOR: McCrary-Quarles, A. R.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
ORANGEBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA 29117

CYPRESS III: COMBINING YOUTH, PASSION, AND RESOURCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE STUDIES

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: CYPRESS III supports the need to incorporate K-12 outreach programs to expose students to agricultural topics to generate interest in agricultural careers (The National U.S. Research Council, 2009). This proposal seeks to expose middle school students, from underrepresented groups within surrounding rural Orangeburg County School Districts, to agriculture-related careers. In addition, this grant willestablish and/or enhance the existing pipeline tohigh schools that support preparation for Ag-related career choices. Previously, the project targeted students attending only five middle schools within District 5. Our purposed project will utilize our existing successful program to cover more territory by including five additional middle schools within District 3 and District 4, which also feed into Technology Centers and offers courses at the high school level.Our project exposes minority youth to agricultural, environmental science, and natural resources related careers via (1) 4-H After-School programs, (2) summer camps, and (3) Junior MANRRS activities. Students enrolled at the three Technology Centers within District 3, 4, and 5 are exposed to updated interactive Ag curriculum. In addition, teachersand parents are able to enhancetheir knowledge of agriculture-related careers, college preparation, scholarships, and available resources necessary to support students' interest towardpursuing careers in the agricultural workforce.

OBJECTIVES: CYPRESS III grant seeks to expose middle school students, from underrepresented groups within surrounding rural Orangeburg County School Districts, to agriculture-related careers, in addition to establishing and/or enhancing the existing pipeline to the high school that supports preparation for Ag-related career choices.CYPRESS III objectives:1. To increase minority youth exposure to agriculture-related careers;2. To develop informed public regarding agriculture careers among teachers and parents;3. To increase student recruitment to SC State University in agricultural related fields;4. To enhance Ag career awareness among students and faculty;5. To enhance Ag curriculum offered at the Technology Centers;6. To develop an effective "career model" for recruiting minority youth into theAgricultural workforce.