Purpose: The USDA
Outreach Grant* is an outreach program designed to
increase enrollment in the College of Agricultural
Sciences and Technology at California State University,
Fresno and Reedley College by traditionally
under-represented groups.
Problem:
Many
high school students from under represented groups do
not consider careers in food, agricultural and
environmental sciences because they associate these
professions with manual labor. Because of this
perception, student enrollment in agricultural and food
programs at California State University, Fresno and
Reedley College fails to reflect the demographics of
the San Joaquin Valley (e.g. College of Agricultural
Sciences and Technology enrollment is 21% Hispanic and
the Fresno County student population is 49%).
Additionally, increasing enrollment in food,
agricultural and environmental sciences will help meet
the shortage of agricultural professionals.
Solution: This
project develops outreach modules with a career focus.
These hands-on activities demonstrate the scientific
foundation of food, agricultural and environmental
sciences. In addition, these innovative orientation
modules help students discover a science career that
fits their personality type. Information needed to
attend California State University, Fresno or Reedley
College will be provided to interested students.
Target: High
schools with predominantly under represented
populations.
Deliverables:
Recruitment
Presentations
Admissions Presentations
Financial Aid Presentations
Summer Bridge – Freshmen Orientation Program (one
week) Academic Counseling
Length of Program:
Three years
Amount Funded:
$300,000
Number of students to be
contacted:
1,050
Student Presenters:
Contact Persons:
*This material is based upon work supported by the
Cooperative Research, Education, and Extension Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement
No.99-38422-8121.
Any
opinions , findings, conclusions, or recommendations
expressed in this publication are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture.
