California State University Bakersfield

Department of Physics and Engineering

Project

The award number is 2012-38422-19825 for the amount of $295,000. The project proposed by the California State University, Bakersfield School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering (NSME) will addresses all NIFA Priorities and HSI Program Goals through development of a new agricultural sciences concentration, the first step towards developing a comprehensive agriculture degree at CSUB. At least five new interdisciplinary courses will be developed and related sciences courses will be redesigned to integrate hands-on, problem-based learning with an emphasis on regional agriculture needs and academy-industry connections. As an exemplary HSI with a demonstrated commitment to increasing STEM participation, CSUB will provide local Hispanic and other underrepresented students the opportunity to earn a high quality degree that will also prepare graduates to be successful agriculture professionals. An interdisciplinary approach with an emphasis on hands-on and experiential learning is necessary as agriculture is becoming increasingly complex, technical and science oriented. At least 20 students will enroll in the first cohort; four of them will be supported through scholarships and stipends. Current STEM outreach activities will be leveraged to inform service area Hispanic communities of the educational opportunities and rewarding careers in agriculture. Outreach efforts will reach more than 35,000 high school and more than 2000 community college students.

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Full project description