BELLE GLADE, Fla. – Earlier this academic year, I reached out to agricultural educators in Palm Beach County with a vision to expand our 4-H programs and provide more opportunities for youth development. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we embarked on a collaborative journey that has already yielded remarkable results.
One of the highlights of this collaboration was our recent “land-grant university tour” of the University of Florida (UF) and Florida A&M University (FAMU). Our students engaged in hands-on learning experiences focused on agriculture, science, and technology. The trip was divided into two parts, with 10 youth attending the FAMU portion and over 40 meeting us in Gainesville to participate in the UF portion.
FAMU Portion
- Visit to FAMU Research and Extension Center Farm: The day began with a visit to the FAMU Research and Extension Center Farm in Quincy, Florida. The students toured the Veterinary Technology Program led by Dr. Glenn Wright and attended a presentation by Taquasha Freeman from the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences.
- Campus Tour and Lunch: They then proceeded to the main campus of FAMU in Tallahassee for a campus tour and lunch at the FAMU Main Cafeteria. This portion of the trip provided insights into veterinary technology and agricultural education, fostering the students’ interest in these fields.
UF Portion
- Campus Tour: The day began with a campus tour starting outside McCarty Hall D, where students explored the university’s facilities and learned about the various programs offered.
- Lunch at Gator Corner Dining: After the tour, students enjoyed lunch at Gator Corner Dining, giving them a taste of campus life.
- Beef and Horse Teaching Units: The next stop was the Beef Teaching Unit, where Alexis Tilton, an Animal Science Adviser, guided the students through the Beef Teaching Unit and the Horse Teaching Unit, teaching them about animal husbandry and the importance of these practices in agriculture.
- Plant Science at Fifield Hall: The final stop was at Fifield Hall, where Ryan Chin-Hing introduced the students to plant science, emphasizing the significance of research and innovation in this field.
Student Reactions
The students’ reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Several have already shared that this trip sparked their interest in studying agriculture or continuing their education beyond high school. According to a recent survey:
- 78% of students identified one or more careers that might be a good fit for them as a result of the 4-H program.
- 73% of students felt it was important to have a career where they can make a difference in the lives of others.
- 91% of students believed that going to college is important for the type of career they want.
These statistics highlight the significant impact of the 4-H program on students’ educational and career aspirations. The hands-on experiences and exposure to various agricultural and scientific fields have clearly inspired many students to consider further education and careers in these areas.
Building Connections
This trip was not just about learning; it was also about building connections and fostering a sense of community. The collaboration between these institutions and schools created a supportive environment where students felt encouraged to explore their interests and pursue their passions.
This trip would not have been possible if not from the trust & collaboration placed in Palm Beach County 4-H by the FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS), FAMU Brooksville Agricultural Environmental Research Station (BAERS), UF/IFAS College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Glades Day School, and Everglades Preparatory Academy. As we continue to work together, I am excited about the future of our 4-H programs in Palm Beach County. Our goal is to reach even more students and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. I am grateful for the support of all our partners and look forward to many more successful collaborations.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this journey. Your commitment to youth development is making a real difference in the lives of our young people.
If you are interested in learning more about 4-H or sponsoring the work we’re doing, please reach out to Palm Beach County 4-H at (561) 233-1731, or at Fourh@pbc.gov. I’m looking forward to the continued youth development we’re going to accomplish together.
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