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The overall goal is to strengthen capacities and capabilities of Tuskegee University and Alabama A&M University to develop globally competent students and faculty in food, agriculture, natural resources and environmental sciences. Our specific objectives are to: <OL> <LI> Develop a summer enrichment international scholar exchange, experiential learning and education program linkage with EARTH University, Costa Rica to broaden and enhance faculty and students' global competence in food, agriculture and natural resource management and conservation; <LI> Promote academic links in agriculture and natural resource management and conservation through faculty and student mobility; develop networks and relationships with EARTH University; <LI> Promote awareness among students about the broad range of international opportunities in food agriculture and natural resources. </ol> The project will (1) promote the development and enhancement of new curricula and related materials to meet changes anticipated within domestic and international agriculture, natural resources, environmental sciences, and food systems; (2) strengthen the faculty knowledge base to enable better preparation and mentoring of students for career opportunities in a globally competitive environment; (3) expose students to the implications of agriculture, natural resources and environment in Central America and specifically in Costa Rica; (4) provide the practical context for understanding international agriculture with emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem management; (5) broaden students' breadth and understanding of the global agricultural community; (6) provide comparative understanding of the agricultural, social and cultural values of Costa Rica with those of the United States; (7) develop an international research and education exchange and scholars program with EARTH University of Costa Rica for our mutual benefits, (8) serve as a venue for EARTH University students to enroll in our graduate programs.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: There is a significant under-representation of minorities in the professional occupations of food, agriculture and natural resource sciences and international education and study abroad or internship programs can attract traditional and non-traditional students and facilitate a seamless transition between college and the workforce as well as provide an opportunity of overcoming the negative historical image of agriculture among African-American and other minorities by marketing the diversity of agricultural career opportunities to parents, students, teachers, and counselors in broadening and strengthening the nations scientific and professional workforce. The project will support the national efforts of building human capacity and diversity through increased involvement of minority students that are well prepared, culturally balanced and are society ready in agricultural professions. Not only will the students be competent in their chosen subject matter area but they also will be competent in the understanding of the interrelatedness and the integration of issues pertaining to NIFA?s strategic goals including sustainable and renewable bio-energy, global food security and hunger, food safety, nutrition and health, sustainable rural economies and climate change in a global economy.
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APPROACH: Students will be introduced to this international agriculture exchange program through a series of seminars in the first semester of each year. A project coordinator/assistant will be hired to assist with carrying out the project activity. Students will be recruited for the program in the spring semester, using a series of interviews based on students' interest and willingness to learn new cultures and apply classroom materials to real-world environment. Prior to taking the trip to Costa Rica in the summer, the students will spend three days at Tuskegee University visiting research laboratories, field sites, research and education training, and interaction with other students, faculty and community members for social and culturally related activities while they are guided through orientation on the exchange program. The recruited students will travel to Costa Rica accompanied by their mentors. Each mentor is an expert in his/her area of research and/or teaching and will work with counterparts in those expertise areas at EARTH University. Students will be required to keep journals and submit written report ten days upon their return. The reports will summarize experiential learning knowledge gained through the internships. Students will also assess the effectiveness of the program and suggest potential recommendations for future improvement and better management of the program. In addition, students will participate in a series of presentations and seminars to other student groups on campus organized by the project PD and Co-PDs. Students will use this opportunity to educate their colleagues and the general public about the multidisciplinary aspect of agriculture, while sharing their own Costa Rican/US experience. Students will also publicize the program and serve as advocates to recruit other students and the impact and necessity of global study or study abroad program