Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom

 

The Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants (SPECA) program seeks to: (a) promote and strengthen secondary education and two-year postsecondary education in the food and agriculture sciences in order to help ensure the existence of a workforce in the United States that's qualified to serve the food and agriculture sciences system; and (b) promote complementary and synergistic linkages among secondary, two-year postsecondary, and higher education programs in the food and agriculture sciences in order to advance excellence in education and encourage more young Americans to pursue and complete a baccalaureate or higher degree in the food and agriculture sciences.

Active 10.226 National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Department of Agriculture B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2016 For the FY 2016 award cycle, a total of $858,500 was available for project grant awards, after legislatively authorized set-asides were deducted. A total of 74 applications were accepted for review. In July 2016, a 27 member peer review panel will evaluate these applications. The peer panel includes faculty members from secondary schools, two-year postsecondary, land grant and non-land grant colleges and universities, and practitioners from the food and agricultural sciences community. Funds were available to support a total of approximately 10 awards in the following Project Types: Conference/Planning projects; Regular projects; Joint projects; and 2 Large-scale Comprehensive Initiatives. The anticipated funding ratio for this program in FY 2016 is 13.5 percent. The initial Appropriation was $852,300. After legislatively mandated set-asides, the amount available to fund projects was $841,730. In FY 2016, 73 proposals were accepted for review. A total of 12 awards are recommended for funding. The composition of awards follows: five (5) regular, three (3) planning, and four (4) joint projects. The funding rate is 16.4%.
Fiscal Year 2017 The initial Appropriation is $847,125. After legislatively mandated set-asides, the amount available to fund projects is $845,250. In FY 2017, 66 proposals were accepted for review. A total of ten (10) awards are recommended for funding. The composition of awards follows: four (4) regular, three (3) planning, two (2) collaborative type 1, and one (1) collaborative type 2. The funding rate is 15%.
Fiscal Year 2018 For Fiscal Year (FY) 2018: The initial appropriation was $900,000. The amount available to fund projects was $856,137. In FY 2018, 50 proposals were accepted for review. A total of six awards have been recommend for funding. The FY ‘18 SPECA funding rate is 12%.
Fiscal Year 2019 For Fiscal Year (FY) 2019: The initial appropriation was $900,000. The amount available to fund projects was $857,250. In FY 2019, 54 proposals were accepted for review. A total of seven awards have been recommend for funding. The FY ‘19 SPECA funding rate is 13%.
Fiscal Year 2020 For Fiscal Year (FY) 2020: Information is not yet available. Pertinent data to be provided by Program at a future date.
Fiscal Year 2024 Pertinent data to be provided by Program at a future date. Section 1405 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended, (7 U.S.C. 3121) designates the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the lead Federal agency for agriculture research, extension and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences. Section 7109 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) amends the authority for this program contained in section 1417(j) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3152(j)). In accordance with the statutory authority, subject to the availability of funds, the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), who has delegated the authority to the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), will award grants to: (a) promote and strengthen secondary and 2-year postsecondary agriscience and agribusiness education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom, in order to help ensure the existence in the United States of a qualified workforce to serve the food and agricultural sciences system; and (b) promote complementary and synergistic linkages among secondary, 2-year postsecondary, and higher education programs in the food and agricultural sciences in order to attain excellence in education and to encourage more young Americans to pursue and complete a baccalaureate or higher degree in the food and agricultural sciences., 7 U.S.C. 3121
Section 1405 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended, (7 U.S.C. 3121) designates the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the lead Federal agency for agriculture research, extension and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences. Section 7109 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) amends the authority for this program contained in section 1417(j) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3152(j))., 7 U.S.C. 3152 (j) Public secondary schools or public or private nonprofit junior and community colleges. Public secondary schools or public or private nonprofit junior and community colleges. The System for Award Management (SAM) combines eight federal procurement systems, including CCR, and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance into one new system. CCR activities are conducted through SAM (the CCR website will redirect users to SAM). Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)Number and System for Award Management (SAM): Each applicant (unless excepted under 2 CFR ? 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR ? 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) Provide a valid UEI number in its application; and (iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. It also must state that the Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant. Applicants must furnish the information required in the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs). Successful applicants recommended for funding must furnish the information and assurances requested during the award documentation process. These include, but are not limited to the following: Organizational Management Information - Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be submitted on a one time basis, with updates on an as needed basis, as part of the responsibility determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this RFA, if such information has not been provided previously under this or another NIFA program. NIFA will provide copies of forms recommended for use in fulfilling these requirements as part of the pre-award process. Although an applicant may be eligible based on its status as one of these entities, there are factors which may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an individual involved or a determination that an applicant is not responsible based on submitted organizational management information). This information collection is approved under OMB Circular Control No. 0524-0026, "Assurance of Compliance with the Department of Agriculture Regulations Assuring Civil Rights, Compliance and Organization Information." SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available as follows: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/secondary-education-two-year-postsecondary-education-and-agriculture-k-12 RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the Competitive RFAs supersede the general information provided in the CFDA database. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program. Preapplication coordination is required. All RFAs are published on the Agency’s website and Grants.gov. Applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) only accepts electronic applications which are submitted via Grants.gov in response to specific Requests for Applications (RFA). Applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process. For information about the pre-award phase of the grant lifecycle application processes see: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html. Further, applicants must follow the instructions provided in the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide, which can be assessed as follows: Adobe NIFA Applications. 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and 2 CFR part 400 USDA's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards apply to this program. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/secondary-education-two-year-postsecondary-education-and-agriculture-k-12 RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the Competitive RFAs supersede the general information provided in the CFDA database. Applications are subjected to a system of peer and merit review in accordance with section 103 of the Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613) by a panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal. Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the NIFA Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) shall make grants to those responsible, eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in the RFA. Reviewers will be selected based upon training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into account the following factors: (a) The level of relevant formal scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant research, education, or extension activities; (b) the need to include as reviewers experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific, education, or extension fields; (c) the need to include as reviewers other experts (e.g., producers, range or forest managers/operators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs; (d) the need to include as reviewers experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and Federal agencies, private profit and non-profit organizations) and geographic locations; (e) the need to maintain a balanced composition of reviewers with regard to minority and female representation and an equitable age distribution; and (f) the need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness to producers and the general public of each application. Evaluation Criteria will be delineated in the Competitive Request for Applications (RFA). 2 CFR 200 - Subpart C and Appendix I and 2 CFR part 400 apply to this Program. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/secondary-education-two-year-postsecondary-education-and-agriculture-k-12 RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the Competitive RFAs supersede the general information provided in the CFDA database. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines From 30 to 60 days. Contact the National Program Leader (NPL), as indicated per CFDA Section # 152 - Headquarters Office regarding dates for specific deadlines, start and end dates, and range of approval/disapproval time. Information is also available via our website and may be obtained via the Grants.gov website. NIFA's respective links regarding general information are provided below: http://nifa.usda.gov/ http://www.grants.gov. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFA is available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/secondary-education-two-year-postsecondary-education-and-agriculture-k-12 RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the Competitive RFAs supersede the general information provided in the CFDA database. Not Applicable. 2 CFR Part 200 - Subparts D & E apply to this program. Specific details are provided in the Request for Applications (RFA), which are generally published annually. The most current RFA is available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/secondary-education-two-year-postsecondary-education-and-agriculture-k-12 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and 2 CFR part 400 USDA's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards apply to this program. Within guidelines established for the program as described in the Competitive Request for Application (RFA). The most current RFAs are available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/secondary-education-two-year-postsecondary-education-and-agriculture-k-12 Funds may be used only in targeted areas, e.g., curricula design and materials development, promotion of teaching competencies, promotion of agriscience and agribusiness career information, instruction delivery systems, student experiential learning, and educational activities that increase the diversity of students pursuing degrees in agriscience and agribusiness. Performance Reports: PERFORMANCE MONITORING: See above for pertinent and specific details. Relation to other audit requirements, but records must be available for review or audit by appropriate officials of the Federal agency, pass-through entity, and Government Accountability Office (GAO). This program is also subject to audit by the cognizant Federal audit agency and the USDA Office of Inspector General. Relation to other audit requirements, but records must be available for review or audit by appropriate officials of the Federal agency, pass-through entity, and Government Accountability Office (GAO). In accordance with 2 CFR Part 400 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, ? 200.334 Retention requirements for records. Grantees shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records are subject to inspection during the life of the grant and must be retained at least three (3) years. Records must be retained beyond the three (3) year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart D applies to this program. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. In accordance with statutory time limits, project periods, including no-cost extensions of time, are not to exceed five (5) years. Further details are provided in the Award document Form NIFA-2009 and the NIFA General Terms and Conditions Grants and Cooperative Agreements (dated October 2016) at: https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-general-terms-and-conditions-grants-and-cooperative-agreements-october-2016. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs) for specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/secondary-education-two-year-postsecondary-education-and-agriculture-k-12 RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the Competitive RFAs supersede the general information provided in the CFDA database. NIFA utilizes the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), a secure, web-based electronic payment and information system that allows federal agencies to administer funds. Currently, ASAP is the only payment source for new NIFA grantees. National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 419205, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-6205 Courier/Package Delivery Address: 2312 East Bannister Road, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-3061 USDA, NIFA, National Program Leader,
Institute of Youth, Family, and Community, Division of Community and Education, National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 419205, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-6205
Courier/Package Delivery Address:
2312 East Bannister Road, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-3061
Kansas City, MO 64141 US
christopher.green@usda.gov
Phone: (856) 328-7396 http://nifa.usda.gov/program/secondary-education-two-year-postsecondary-education-and-agriculture-k-12-classroom 12-1500-0-1-352 (Project Grants) FY 22$800,000.00; FY 23 est $864,000.00; FY 24 est $960,000.00; FY 21$800,000.00; FY 20$864,000.00; FY 19$864,000.00; FY 18$858,600.00; FY 17$855,255.00; FY 16$852,300.00; - The difference between the appropriation and obligation numbers reflects legislative authorized set-asides deducted as appropriate, and in some cases the availability of obligational authority from prior years. If minimum or maximum amounts of funding per competitive and/or capacity project grant, or cooperative agreement are established, these amounts will be announced in the annual Competitive Request for Application (RFA). The most current RFA is available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/secondary-education-two-year-postsecondary-education-and-agriculture-k-12 As an administrator of U.S. government support, NIFA works in partnership with grantees to ensure responsible stewardship of federal funds. Our grantees and partners are required to comply with all relevant rules and regulations. The following resources are provided to NIFA's partners and award recipients to support their adherence to federal regulations governing program performance: NIFA's primary (main) website: https://nifa.usda.gov/regulations-and-guidelines The following represent specific documents and direct links: POLICY GUIDE NIFA's Federal Assistance Policy Guide describes agency policies and procedures. https://nifa.usda.gov/policy-guide CERTIFICATIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS Certifications and representations provided through the NIFA application process. https://nifa.usda.gov/certifications-and-representations ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF USDA SUPPORT BY NIFA When acknowledging USDA support in accordance with 2 CFR Part 415, grantees must use the following acknowledgement for all projects or initiatives supported by NIFA. https://nifa.usda.gov/acknowledgment-usda-support-nifa FEDERAL REGULATIONS The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) lists all regulations published in the Federal Register. https://nifa.usda.gov/federal-regulations FOIA The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides that any person has the right to request access to federal documents and information such as research data. https://nifa.usda.gov/foia NEPA POLICY AND GUIDANCE The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Policy and Guidance set the standard for identifying potential environmental impacts. https://nifa.usda.gov/nepa-policy-and-guidance OGFM ISSUED CORRESPONDENCE The Office of Grants and Financial Management occasionally issues correspondence to applicants, grantees, and/or the general public for informational or clarification purposes. https://nifa.usda.gov/ogfm-issued-correspondence RESEARCH MISCONDUCT NIFA requires that all its awardees adhere to the USDA Scientific Integrity Policy and the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct. https://nifa.usda.gov/research-misconduct NIFA'S GENERAL AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS Award terms and conditions are determined by statutory, regulatory, and agency requirements, as well as each grant's circumstances. Terms and conditions dictate important items related to your grant, including method of payment, reporting frequency and content, and prior approval requirements. References to the terms and conditions of awards are located on the NIFA 2009 Award Fact Sheet. NIFA's general award terms and conditions (see link below) is applicable to this program, for awards with an award date on December 26, 2014 and thereafter. https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-general-terms-and-conditions-grants-and-cooperative-agreements-october-2016. Fiscal Year 2016 For FY 2016: Information is not yet available. Pertinent details to be provided by Program at a future date. Cultivating an Edible Education Project incorporates both technical knowledge in the FANH sciences throughout core courses in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science and history, and soft skills by employing project-based learning, dedicated instructional units, community engagement, field trips and summer programs to reach disadvantaged students from Rochester public schools. Engaging secondary students in agricultural science career paths through integration of controlled environment food production education The purpose of this project is to develop and deliver an innovative agriculture science curriculum and equip educators in its use to promote student proficiency in high school and increase enrollment in agriculture and food production tracks in post-secondary schools as well as later careers. This project will center on the use of controlled environment for soilless vegetable growing systems as a tool to enhance 9th through 12th grade chemistry, biology, and agriculture science education. Building Capacity for School Based Agricultural Education in the Food Insecure Region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) in partnership with the U.P. Food Exchange (UPFE) and the Growing U.P. Agricultural Association (GUPAA) seeks to support the establishment of formal, school-based agricultural, food, and natural resource (AFNR) education programs in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan.
Fiscal Year 2017 ENHANCING THE FUTURE POULTRY WORKFORCE THROUGH STEM BASED INDUSTRY EXPOSURE AND ENGAGEMENT This three-year project will support a total of 405 students and faculty through a curriculum that combines STEM knowledge with career development using the poultry industry as its focal point. COLLABORATIVE LEARNING BETWEEN HIGHER EDUCATION AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DUALLY-ENROLLED IN ONLINE NUTRITION This two-year project will support partnerships and networking among academic institutions. It will advance agricultural education by fostering partnerships between high schools and colleges in the area of nutrition. The grant will strengthen content and delivery of a high school nutrition course and allow junior and senior high school students to take a dual enrollment in a college level nutrition course for credit. CONNECTING LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CENTERS TO SECONDARY AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION STUDENTS IN IDAHO, KANSAS, AND OKLAHOMA This three-year project will support 7,290 faculty and students through a curriculum development initiative involving a partnership of three Land Grant Institutions: University of Idaho, Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University. The project will create opportunities for high school students to have hands-on research experiences in agri-science at university research centers. To ensure the students get the most out of the their research experience the project will provide mentoring to high school agricultural teachers and participating university researchers so they can optimize their ability to teach and develop students’ talents. IDAHO AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION ALTERNATIVELY CERTIFIED TEACHER SUPPORT PROGRAM (ACTS) This two-year project will support targeted training to certify agricultural teachers who entered their profession in different ways from the traditional four-year teaching degree program. Since more than 40 percent of the new agricultural teachers in Idaho are not certified in the traditional manner this program will help insure that agricultural instructors in the state receive the training and mentoring they required to provide quality instruction to their students. The project director expect to serve 22 faculty and, ultimately, over 13,000 students. ONLINE MODULES FOR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS THAT HYBRIDIZE HORTICULTURE AND SCIENCE CURRICULA WHILE PROMOTING HORTICULTURE AS A CAREER This two-year project will support curriculum development to support 805 students and faculty. It will provide secondary instructors with modules in plant production, including general plant biology, hydroponics and careers in horticulture. These online modules will allow educators to introduce horticulture as a technology rich career path that relies on robotics, drones and computerized environmental monitoring and control. It will promote career awareness as a means to increase the number of trained horticulturalists in response to anticipated industry workforce demands.
Fiscal Year 2018 SNEAD STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SECONDARY TO POSTSECONDARY 2+2+2 This three-year project will improve the graduation and matriculation of students interested in agriculture careers. This project will re-establish four agriculture courses, the first at the awardee institution since 2008. The project director expects to enroll 30 high school agriculture program participants in postsecondary education, enroll a minimum of 25 students in Agriculture Science and Horticulture degrees, graduate 80% of these students with a two-year degree, and increase the number of students who transfer to a four-year institution with agriculture degrees. The project was funded at $47,156. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRACTICES RESEARCH STUDY This two-year project will support approximately 90 students and staff members. The awardee, an elementary school, plans to prepare their students for post-secondary education and career opportunities in the sustainable agriculture and environmental fields. To accomplish this goal, the project director will combine mentorships with local expert partnerships and teacher training in a student-driven research program titled Young Researchers Institute. The project was funded at $12,900. ENGAGING LOCAL UNDERREPRESENTED YOUTH THROUGH A HIGH SCHOOL AGRICULTURE BIOSCIENCE CERTIFICATE (HS-ABC) PROGRAM This two-year project proposes to deliver an Agriculture and Bioscience Certificate (ABC) Program in area public schools with the infusion of critical technologies, faculty, and graduate student resources from a nearby 1890 University. The Certificate program will be delivered in three phases: 1) preparing high school agriculture teachers to co-teach the courses; 2) providing inquiry-based classroom and lab-based teaching activities; 3) offering a summer research camp for the high school students to conduct research projects at the University. The project director aims to certify 100 high school students and give teaching and mentoring experience to 40 University graduate students. The project was funded at $148,923. PINNING DOWN AG LITERACY: EXPANDING ACCESS TO INSECT SCIENCE This three-year project will serve approximately 5,000 students and 50 teachers by supporting the teaching of 7th grade insect science. In an effort to increase the representation of minority groups in entomology, the project will create a suite of online learning modules in the field that highlight the importance of insects to the world around us. Through area partnerships, the awardee institution will offer professional development for teachers alongside highly visual, interactive insect science tools and disseminate them statewide and nationally. The project was funded at $196,919. PATHWAYS TO HIGHER EDUCATION: ENGAGING SECONDARY EDUCATION STUDENTS IN THE FOOD, AGRICULTURAL, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND HUMAN SCIENCES. This three-year project will support 180 students through a comprehensive recruitment and training program. The awardee institution, a four-year university, will develop introductory courses in their College of Agriculture of Natural Resources for secondary education students to engage them in higher education and career opportunities in Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Science fields. The project director hopes that increasing visibility and recruitment across state by directly engaging with secondary school students and providing them an opportunity to earn college credit will encourage them to continue on in Agriculture disciplines. The project was funded at $153,270.
Fiscal Year 2019 CAREER AGSPERIENCE PROGRAM. The program targets teens with little knowledge or existing interest in agriculture. The goal is to help these teens gain essential workforce preparation and educational opportunities related to agricultural fields. Conducting multiple agriculture career literacy programs across the state, and integrating agriculture-related career videos and support materials (lesson plans, flyers, brochures and posters), the project will impact 5,000 students and faculty per year. The Career AGsperience team will collect long-term follow-up impact data, which to document the percentage of participants who purse agricultural related studies and careers as a result of the project. Anticipated Number of Student Impacted: 5,000 Anticipated Funding Amount: $50,000 BUILDING PATHWAYS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE SECONDARY AND POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION IN KANSAS In 2016 the awardee organization, a community college, was awarded a USDA NIFA SPECA grant to convene stakeholders (farmers, employers, non-profits, universities, and high schools) throughout Kansas initiate a broad conversation about the need for an educational pathway in sustainable agriculture. Building on the lessons learned and relationships established with stakeholders, the awardee will expand its current certificate to offer the only 2-year degree program in Sustainable Agriculture throughout Kansas. The proposed project will have three goals: 1. Six new courses, in addition to a capstone course, will be developed for the new degree program. These courses will be transferrable to in-state universities to allow students to pursue bachelor’s degrees. 2. To establish a pipeline with high schools, the awardee will hold two summer workshops on integrating sustainable agriculture into the high school curriculum for 20 secondary education teachers. Further, in Year 2 the awardee will host a Sustainable Agriculture career fair. 3. To promote the new degree pathway, the awardee will convene farmers, employers, and non-profit organizations to establish a new advisory board and identify potential sites for internships and capstone projects. Anticipated Number of Student Impacted: 220. Anticipated Funding Amount: $47,941 STRENGTHENING FOOD LITERACY, FANH SCIENCES EDUCATION AND CAREER READINESS THROUGH STUDENT INQUIRY, EXPERIENCE AND ACTION IN LOUISVILLE, KY This project will 1) create new curricula and materials to increase the quality of academic programs in the FANH sciences; 2) implement hands-on learning experiences and methods to extend learning beyond the classroom and enable students to solve complex problems in the context of real-world situations; and 3) enable underrepresented students to engage in participatory leadership and career development experiences. This will implement 264 inquiry-driven, experiential education and leadership development activities and the creation of 5 cross-curricular instructional resources co-constructed by students, teachers and community partners. The project’s primary audience is a diverse group of 90+ underrepresented immigrant and refugee students at Iroquois High School (IHS) in south Louisville, one of the most diverse and challenged schools in the district. The project has broad impact throughout JCPS as a whole, which serves 100,000 students. The project will promote equity, using hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities to engage underrepresented students, ultimately increasing student knowledge of and interest in FANH sciences pathways. Anticipated Number of Student Impacted: 90 Anticipated Funding Amount: $150,000 FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATIVE: INCREASING CAPACITY AND PROMOTING CAREER AWARENESS FOR RURAL STUDENTS This project will create multiple food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences (FANH) pathways and opportunities for youth who are underrepresented in STEM and FANH sciences and from underserved rural communities. The partners will work together to create curriculum that highlights Food Science and Technology (FST) and Manufacturing and related careers, provides middle and high school students with near-peer mentors. Faculty will design virtual field trips that highlight FANH sciences and careers. The intended outcome in this project is an increased awareness of FANH sciences, agricultural majors and careers, interactions with near-peers in these majors and experiential learning opportunities for K-12 youth that highlight FANH sciences and careers. The curriculum developed will be disseminated through the National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix, which is used nationally by K-12 teachers and agriculture in the classroom organizations. Anticipated Number of Student Impacted: 6,800. Anticipated Funding Amount: $150,000. FUELING THE MIND, FEEDING THE WORLD: DELIVERING COMMUNICATION AND DECISION MAKING CURRICULA. This project will enhance communication and decision-making skills of secondary agricultural education students in FANH sciences. Through a partnership between a 4-year university, a community college, and a high school, the awardees will develop communication and decision-making curricula that secondary agricultural education programs can implement into their current curricula structures as part of the National Council for Agricultural Education’s Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources’ (AFNR) career clusters. A multi-disciplinary team of content and education experts will deliver 14 learner-centered, reusable learning modules (RLMs) to enhance students’ ability to communicate effectively and make decisions using scientific evidence. The curricula will be developed to use in face-to-face, hybrid, and stand-alone delivery modes, include industry-specific examples, and incorporate evidence-based teaching and learning components that prepare students for college and career expectations. RLMs will engage learners through audio, video, interactive components, and text, as well as be packaged for multiple learning management systems and be delivered using the established curriculum delivery databases of National FFA Organization, National Council for Agricultural Education, and eXtension. The PDs will conduct the project in consultation with secondary and post-secondary faculty, industry professionals, and non-profit organizations. Student assessments (i.e., formative, summative, and pre/post); faculty feedback; and industry review will measure project impact. Anticipated Number of Student Impacted: 405,500. Anticipated Funding Amount: $300,000
Fiscal Year 2020 For Fiscal Year (FY) 2020: Information is not yet available. Pertinent data to be provided by Program at a future date.
Fiscal Year 2024 Pertinent data to be provided by Program at a future date.