PORTLAND, Ore. – Projects that empower youths to succeed in agriculture – particularly those from marginalized communities – were showcased at the inaugural conference of Youth Innovators Empowering Agriculture Across America, hosted by Oregon State University in March.
The conference brought together six land grant universities, including OSU, to highlight initiatives funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute for Food Agriculture. Youth Innovators Empowering Agriculture Across America is a collection of university-led projects from across the United States that strive to provide curriculum and workshops for educators to incorporate into activities that promote careers in agriculture and food science.
The conference was held March 6-7 at the OSU Portland Center. Projects were presented to the group at-large over the course of the conference along with workshops and listening sessions for educators.
In June 2023, USDA announced it had awarded a $10 million grant to Oregon State University Extension Service to serve as coordinator of USDA-funded projects that aim to cultivate the next generation of research, education and Extension professionals in food and agricultural sciences. Part of Extension’s charge under the grant is to host professional development events and workshops, highlighted by a national conference.
At the conference, OSU Extension presented its work on a climate change curriculum designed for youth as future innovators with an emphasis on “climate smart” agriculture and forestry. This project is a culturally responsive curriculum that is inclusive and equitable and reflects the multi-dimensional diversity of youth. Its focus is on Pacific Islander and Indigenous youths.
Additionally, this work seeks to validate students’ experiences and values, disrupt power dynamics that privilege dominant groups and empower students.
Key aspects of each project in Youth Innovators Empowering Agriculture Across America involve youth leadership and community resource development. Projects included curriculum centered around current agricultural and food science issues, as well as tools to support youth empowerment.
The program is funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture through its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Education and Workforce Development Program.
The other universities that presented at the conference in Portland were North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University, the University of Maine and the University of Vermont.
Here are the descriptions of their respective initiatives:
North Carolina State University and Washington State University
“YEA! Advancing equitable agriscience pathways through the National Juntos Consortium and STEM Agriculture Pathways” uses culturally responsive approaches to develop programs that will prepare Latinx youth to become the next generation of leaders and workforce in STEM and agriscience.
The Ohio State University
“YEA Empowering the Next Generation Ag and Food Systems Workforce” is leading a collaboration with eight universities to undertake a one-year research project that engages youth and adults, particularly from diverse and historically underserved communities, to increase understanding of career and employment pathways in agriculture and food systems.
The University of Maine and the University of Vermont
The collaborative “Oh YEA! 4H Grows True Leaders” partnership engages teens, youths and adults in place-based learning and leadership development while drawing on the unique needs and gifts of underrepresented families, including migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. This initiative aims to produce future leaders and advocates of food production and healthy living regionally, nationally and internationally.
