Project Grant 20216703734162

**AWARDS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 20, 2025, WERE FUNDED UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES AND POLICIES OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.** NATION-WIDE DEMAND FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR CONTINUES TO OUTPACE SUPPLY OF WELL QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES. AT THE SAME TIME STUDENTS FROM COMMUNITIES OF COLOR PURSUE EDUCATION IN THIS SECTOR AT A RATE LOWER THAN THE GENERAL POPULATION AND THEREFORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH-WAGE CAREERSARE MISSED. ALSO, IN SPITE OF OREGON'S AGRICULTURAL BOUNTY, THE LEVELS OF FOOD INSECURITY WITHIN THE STATE REMAIN HIGH, IN PART BECAUSE OVER 75% OF OREGON'S AGRICULTURAL FOODS ARE EXPORTED OUTSIDE THE STATE (OREGON FARM BUREAU). WESTERNIZED AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES, ALTHOUGH PROFITABLE FOR THE STATE'S ECONOMY, HAVE RESULTED IN A LOSS OF INDIGENOUS FIRST FOODS AND THE HEALTH BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH THEM. TO IMPROVE OREGON'S FOOD SECURITY AND WORKFORCE PREPARATION FOR THE NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY, THE COLLEGE WILL PARTNER WITH WISDOM OF THE ELDERBERRY FARM (WISDOM)TO DEVELOP TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE, A NON-CREDIT CAREER PREPARATION COURSE INTEGRATING INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVESINTO AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, HABITAT RESTORATION, AND STUDENT-CENTERED TRAINING IN WORKFORCE READINESS. ADDITIONALLY, RECRUITMENT OF STUDENTS FOR INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS, COLLEGE AWARDS, AND PAID INTERNSHIPS WILL INCREASE ENROLLMENT AND LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS AS THEY COMPLETE THE PROGRAM.