Building a Sustainable Agricultural Career Pipeline: Effective Recruitment and Retention Practices Used by Colleges of Agriculture in the United States

This national study examined effective student recruitment and retention practices used by colleges of agriculture in the United States among 1862 land-grant, 1890 land-grant, and non-land-grant institutions. Respondents reported that faculty at colleges of agriculture were primarily white. Through the analysis of sub-group percentages, the researchers found that the ethnic makeup of faculty was not reflective of the general population. The researchers found that administrators from 1862 land-grant institutions reported statistically significant differences (p \u3c .05) regarding the use of specific strategies to target underrepresented populations in student recruitment as compared to other institutional types. Further, 1862 land-grant institutions reported statistically significant differences in student retention strategies (p \u3c .05) as compared to other institutional types regarding the delivery of programs that aimed to retain first-year students. Based on key findings from this investigation, the authors developed the agricultural student retention model (ASRM) to help guide colleges of agriculture in improving their holistic retention program as they navigate inclusive and diverse institutional contexts. Additionally, key recruitment strategies were identified as well, that could facilitate holistic student recruitment efforts. Perhaps more significant progress can be made toward creating a sustainable agricultural workforce that is more reflective of U.S. population demographics using this model

A Descriptive Analysis of the Perceptions of North Carolina 4-H Agents Toward Minority Youth Participation in Agricultural-Related Activities

An analysis of the perceptions of North Carolina 4-H Extension personnel regarding minority youth participation in agriculture-related activities was conducted. Based on the data collected, the researchers found that 4-H agricultural programs were not fully meeting the needs of a growing diverse population. There is a strong need to improve agricultural program participation in order to increase recruitment and retention strategies for minority youth in relation to 4-H agricultural based activities

An Evaluative Study of the United States Cooperative Extension Service\u27s Role in Bridging the Digital Divide

Raising the level of digital inclusion by increasing the number of Americans using the technology tools of the digital age is a vitally important national goal (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2000). The study reported here focused on Extension administrators throughout the United States to gauge their opinion concerning the role of Extension in bridging the digital divide. It was found that a perceived digital divide existed. Extension administrators expressed that Extension was an adequate mechanism to combat this societal dilemma. Recommendations included establishing strategic partnerships with local community groups to provide technology access and training for residents

Toward a Holistic Agricultural Student Recruitment Model: A National Analysis of the Factors Affecting Students’ Decision to Pursue an Agricultural Related Degree

Currently, the agricultural industry struggles to fill positions with qualified agricultural workers. Therefore, it is critical to attract high caliber individuals to agricultural degree programs that are prepared to enter the workforce with the skills needed to navigate complex issues and problems. The purpose of this national study was to identify key factors that influence the recruitment of agriculture students at land-grant and non-land-grant universities. Using Chapman’s model of student success as our conceptual lens, we tested 66 factors identified in the literature as successful recruitment strategies for colleges of agriculture based on students’ personal characteristics as well as key external influences. We discovered statistically significant (p \u3c .05) differences existed based on students’ gender and race/ethnicity. To better operationalize the findings from this study for U.S. colleges of agriculture, we developed the agricultural student recruitment model (ASRM). The model visually represents the distinct but intersecting factors that most profoundly influence students’ academic degree decisions. Moving forward, we recommend colleges of agriculture use the ASRM as a tool to better resonate with populations that may lack representation in their degree programs and the state’s agricultural industry

An Analysis Of Inclusive Pedagogical Practices Within North Carolina Secondary Agricultural Education Programming

Objective: In this study the state of inclusion within North Carolina Secondary Agricultural Education programming was examined. Background: In 2012 The North Carolina State Board of Education established a vision of assuring a strong, flexible, and sound educational system that serves all students and additionally promotes the public interest. This vision includes its secondary agricultural education programs as well. Methodology: The research design for this study consisted of a descriptive survey research design, encompassing a random sample of 196 North Carolina Secondary Agricultural Educators. The final return rate yielded a usable sample of 90 respondents (45% return rate). Findings: North Carolina Secondary Agricultural Educators indicated that agricultural education was beneficial to women and minority populations. Various barriers to inclusion were noted. Uncertainty in working with various dimensions of inclusion were found. Solutions to improving inclusion were identified. Conclusion:Overall, it was found that inclusion was critical for secondary agricultural education in North Carolina. Application: Findings from this study will aid North Carolina Secondary Agricultural Educators and officials in developing more inclusive learning environments

Employer Perceptions of Graduates of the United States Land Grant University System\u27s Workforce Preparation

The purpose of this study was to analyze the perceptions of employers of land-grant college graduates regarding their preparation for entry-level positions in the agricultural sector in relation to specific competencies. Overall it was found that land grant university graduates were prepared in the areas of interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, technology, decision-making, and management skills, in addition to technical competence. In order to ensure that Land-Grant college graduates reach higher levels of preparation in the aforementioned areas, it was recommended in general that curriculum revisions be made

Employability Skills and Trends in the Outdoor Power and Equipment Industry

The Power, Structural and Technical Systems (PST) Career Pathway is one of eight within the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster; this pathway provides the curriculum that includes outdoor power equipment content. The perceived workforce readiness and skills needed in this pathway and related future trends were analyzed for entry-level jobs within the outdoor power equipment industry. The respondents expressed concern with being able to find qualified entry-level employees. Respondents indicated that the major skill categories of interpersonal skills, communication skills, computer skills, character skills, technical competency, and their corresponding subskills, were important for entry-level employment. The respondents indicated shop experience and general work experience are important for career success, which are experiences that take place through school-based agricultural education. The areas with greatest impact on the future of the industry were equipment technology advancements, urbanization, environmental laws/policies, and the growth of technical education at the secondary and post-secondary level. Secondary agricultural educators and outdoor power equipment dealers should explore developing internships and other partnerships in order to better prepare students for entry-level positions within the outdoor power equipment industry

A Perceptual Analysis Of The Benefits And Barriers To Creating All Inclusive Learning Environments In Secondary Agricultural Education Programs

The purpose of this study was to gauge the state of inclusion in American Secondary Agricultural Education programs as perceived by state directors of agricultural education. It was found agricultural education is beneficial for minorities and women. Additionally, it was perceived that inclusion overall was critical for secondary agricultural education: however, barriers to its full implementation in secondary agricultural education were found to be the lack of role models, stereotypes, the perception of agriculture itself, guidance counselor support, and understanding student learning styles. Solutions to improving inclusion in secondary agricultural education were perceived to be preservice and inservice training in multicultural education and differentiated instruction, and forming collaborative relationships with guidance counselors, school administrators, and the community in general

RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION STRATEGIES UTILIZED BY 1890 LAND GRANT INSTITUTIONS IN RELATION TO AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS

Abstract The purpose of this study wa

North Central Piedmont North Carolina Tobacco Producers\u27 Views Towards The Federal Tobacco Quota Buyout

The study reported here sought to determine North Carolina tobacco producers\u27 perceptions of the current and future state of the tobacco industry. Findings indicate that North Carolina tobacco producers were concerned about the future of the tobacco industry. Respondents agreed that a federal tobacco quota buyout was needed to increase the price competitiveness of United States tobacco as well as the United States\u27 share of the global tobacco market. Respondents also found production controls and FDA regulation over the manufacturing and consumer levels of the industry to be beneficial. The changing tobacco industry will need new educational programming from Extension