Today@Sam Article
SHSU School of Agricultural Sciences Secures $750K Grant to Support Future Ag Teachers
Sept. 19, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
Sam Houston State University has been awarded a four-year, $750,000 grant from United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to partner with Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and the Texas FFA Foundation. The goal is to equip future agricultural science teachers with tools for classroom success and teacher retention.
SHSU’s School of Agricultural Sciences will collaborate with its partners to provide pre-service teachers in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) with hands-on experiences in professional networking, leadership development and agricultural literacy. This project is based on the Texas FFA Foundation’s LEAD series model, which connects current and future teachers for professional development and best practices in the field.
“This grant allows us to bring proven leadership and educational strategies to the next generation of ag teachers,” said Mark Hainline, project lead and assistant professor of agricultural education at SHSU. “It is an honor for SHSU to serve as the catalyst for connecting our students with the established success of the Texas FFA Foundation’s LEAD series. We’re excited to offer them exposure to best practices, industry leaders and the latest trends in agricultural education.”
The Cultivating LEAD program includes three main components:
- Legislative LEAD Experience: A two-day event covering government and leadership topics.
- Cultivating LEAD Summer Experience: A weeklong program featuring agricultural literacy and leadership development across Texas.
- Online Leadership and Policy Modules: A flexible, online learning platform.
The program’s goal is to enhance leadership skills, agricultural policy understanding and networking for future AFNR teachers. In addition to SHSU, students from Texas Tech, Texas A&M-Kingsville and other universities will be able to participate, space permitting.
With its focus on experiential learning and strong industry partnerships, the Cultivating LEAD program aims to prepare future agricultural educators for long-term career success.
About SHSU School of Agricultural Sciences
Ranked among the top U.S. non-Land Grant universities in enrollment, SHSU’s School of Agricultural Sciences is known for its strong academic offerings and hands-on learning opportunities. The Fred Pirkle Engineering Technology Center houses faculty, lecture halls, greenhouses and labs, including a state-of-the-art floral design lab. The Harrell Agricultural Engineering Technology Center provides practical experience in metal fabrication, hydraulics and more. Gibbs Ranch, an 1800-acre site, serves as a living lab for animal science, soil management and wildlife ecology.
About The Texas FFA Foundation
The Texas FFA Foundation was established in 1987 and works to strengthen agricultural education and the Texas FFA program, so each student can develop their potential for personal growth, career success and leadership in a global marketplace. The Texas FFA Foundation provides Texas FFA members and agricultural science teachers with next-level leadership development opportunities through scholarships, service programs, and professional networks. The Living to Serve platform creates young leaders of today and the dynamic influencers of tomorrow.
Contacts
Mark Hainline, PhD
Assistant Professor of Agricultural Sciences
Sam Houston State University Dept. of Agricultural Sciences
(936) 294-1186 msh004@shsu.edu
Aaron Alejandro
Executive Director, Texas FFA Foundation
(512) 480-8047 aaron@texasffafoundation.org
This project was supported by the USDA Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program, Award No. 2024-70001-43059. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
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