Seeding Opportunity: NRCS Career Pathways for Alabama's Minority Students
Project Impact
Over 400 students and community members engaged in 2023.
The Precision Partners LLC AL Project aims to empower underserved K-12 students in Alabama’s Black Belt by raising awareness about careers in food, agriculture, and natural resources. Recognizing the opportunity gap that historically underserved students face, especially in rural and African American communities, the project provides outreach and education to close this gap. Through a series of educational events, like workshops and webinars, students learn about fields such as soil conservation, wildlife biology, and environmental science, giving them insight into sustainable agriculture and conservation.
What We Did
During the project, workshops and events were organized in collaboration with Alabama State University, Tuskegee University, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension, where over 400 community members attended. Through hands-on experiences with high tunnel crop production and vertical gardening, students and community members were introduced to sustainable agricultural practices. Participants responded positively, many expressing excitement about the career possibilities they hadn’t previously considered. Additionally, the project’s educational sessions and career exposure events inspired a measurable increase in students' interest in pursuing food and agriculture disciplines in college.
Interactive Career Sessions
These interactive sessions allowed students to see firsthand how food can be grown sustainably in urban and rural settings, introducing them to important agricultural practices that they could potentially apply in their own communities. Professionals from USDA-NRCS, Alabama Cooperative Extension, and local universities shared insights on careers like agronomy, soil conservation, and environmental science. They also led discussions and demonstrations to show the practical impact of these careers on community development and environmental stewardship.
Positive Student Reactions
The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Students were eager to participate, asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine interest in learning more about the field. For many, this was their first exposure to sustainable agriculture and related career paths, and it ignited curiosity and ambition, especially among those who hadn’t previously considered careers in these areas. Teachers and community leaders also appreciated the event's emphasis on hands-on learning and the opportunity for students to connect with role models in agriculture and conservation.
Make a Difference Together
Join us in creating meaningful opportunities and launch impactful projects that inspire, educate, and empower the next generation.