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INVESTIGATOR: Augustine, Z. N.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
SOUTHERN UNIV
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70813

CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP INNOVATION BY MOTIVATING AGRICULTURE THROUGH EDUCATION

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: This project focuses on program areas to include 4-H and youth development, agriculture, leadership development and community and economic development. The main goal of this project is to help students increase their ACT score in order to qualify for the TOPS scholarship. Additionally, the project will increase the pool of qualified graduates in the agriculture, food and nutrition, natural resources, and other related sciences. Specifically, the project is designed to continue to: (1) Strengthen student's knowledge and application of standardized test taking skills through instruction in mathematics, English, science reasoning, communication skills, the humanities and computer literacy; (2) Increase student's awareness of the nature of food and agricultural sciences through short courses and experiential learning activities; (3) Increase the leadership, decision-making and analytical skills of participants; and (4) Provide career development experiences and opportunities for students by working in a professional setting. With this project, academic remediation coupled with standardized test taking skills will prepare students for college. Additionally, summer internship with USDA, state and local government agencies, and the professional workforce will further introduce them to various careers in the food and agricultural sciences and the world of specialized work.

OBJECTIVES: The primary goal of this project is to help youth acquire knowledge and skills to assist them with increasing ACT scores, obtaining assistance with tuition, leadership development, and participation in learning experiences in agriculture, food and nutrition, natural resources, and other related sciences. Additionally, the project will increase the pool of qualified graduates in the agriculture, food and nutrition, natural resources, and other related sciences. Specifically, the project is designed to:1. Strengthen student's knowledge and application of standardized test taking skills through instruction in mathematics, English, science reasoning, communication skills, the humanities and computer literacy;2. Increase student's awareness of the nature of food and agricultural sciences through short courses and experiential learning activities;3. Increase the leadership, decision-making and analytical skills of participants; and4. Provide career development experiences and opportunities for students by working in a professional setting.