Discovering Agriculture-Related Careers Through Cypress

Abstract

The primary objective of the Combining Youth Passion and Resources for Environmental Sciences Studies (CYPRESS) Project was to increase awareness and generate interest among minority students regarding agriculture-related careers, in rural SC. The students participated in 4H after-school programs, summer camps, and an Ag-Science course. There were also workshops for teachers and parents for them to support the students. Data from the project were analyzed using pre- and post-survey methods. The results revealed that 26% of 4H after-school participants were interested in pursuing agriculture-related careers; 43% of summer camp participants were interested in pursuing such careers, and 5% of the Ag-Science course participants were interested in pursuing such careers. Despite the low percentage response of the Ag-Science course participants, overall, CYPRESS exposed over 600 students to agriculture-related careers. This is expected to ultimately, have a positive impact on enrollment in agriculture-related majors. Keywords: Agriculture-Related Careers, Career Model, Career Preparation, 4-H After-School Programs, Minority Student