GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A select group of high schools students will try out college life at the University of Florida and learn how agriculture and the life sciences affect their communities and the world.

The UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences has teamed up with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to offer the Florida Youth Institute (FYI), a one-week residential summer program offered from July 10 to 15. The program will expose students entering their junior or senior year to issues in agriculture, life sciences and natural resources.

“Students will also have an opportunity to explore current issues in agriculture and natural resources through hands-on activities and interaction with faculty, staff and students,” said CALS Dean Elaine Turner. “We also plan to stimulate thinking about how what is happening in Florida relates to the larger, global community. Through FYI, we hope students return to their high schools with new ideas for science fair projects, community service activities, and possibly a future direction for their academic studies.”

Students will:

• Participate in a variety of engaging lessons and demonstrations.
• Experience indoor and outdoor laboratories and campus facilities.
• Engage with faculty, staff and current CALS students.
• Meet with Turner and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam Putnam.
• Reflect on worldwide challenges such as food security.
• Experience one week in a campus residence hall.

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By: Beverly James, 352-273-3566, beverlymjames@ufl.edu

Source: Elaine Turner, 352-392-1961, returner@ufl.edu

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