Cultivating Futures: 4-H Youth Internship Experience in Agriscience
Expanding the “Growing Growers” Farm Apprenticeship Model Across Kansas and Beyond
LONG-TERM GOAL To create a competitive agricultural workforce by inspiring more teens to consider and choose careers in agriculture PROJECT CONTEXT Agriculture is the largest commercial industry in Maryland, and yet the workforce pipeline for this industry is not full enough—in part because there are not enough apprenticeship opportunities avail- able for young people. GOALS FOR NTAE GRANT PERIOD • Pilot a three-week 4-H internship program for teens in Prince George’s and Calvert counties in Maryland, focusing on leader- ship, career readiness, and agricultural technical skills. • Pay participants a stipend for working in their chosen career fields during the internship.
LONG-TERM GOAL To increase the quantity and quality of specialty crop production operations that contribute to food systems in Kansas PROJECT CONTEXT The agricultural workforce pipeline in Kansas, as in many other states, is not as full as it needs to be to meet growing demands for local produce and to fight food insecurity. The farm labor pool also isn’t as diverse as it should be. GOALS FOR NTAE GRANT PERIOD • Expand the “Growing Growers” apprenticeship program into three regions of Kansas—southeast Kansas, Manhattan, and Wichita. • Develop an “explore farming” track for people who are inter- ested in food production but can’t commit to a full- or part-time apprenticeship. • Provide scholarships that give priority to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color participants. • Work with stakeholders to facilitate localized and/or digital networking and learning opportunities.
TEAM LEADS Kirsten Cowan, MS 4-H Educator University of Maryland Jenna Jones, MS 4-H Educator University of Maryland
TEAM LEAD Cary Rivard, PhD Associate Professor Kansas State University CATALYSTS
MENTOR Molly Soeby, MPA North Dakota State University
Rick Klemme, PhD Chuck Ross, MA
32
33
2023-2024 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE
EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE | 2023-2024 YEARBOOK
Powered by FlippingBook