Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the food, agriculture, natural…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH) fields face an important challenge: we need a strong and steady workforce to support farmers, ranchers, producers, and land managers. Many students are interested in these careers, but they often lack access to the training, support, and hands-on experiences that will prepare them for success. Without this preparation, IT is harder to fill the jobs that keep our food systems, farms, and rural economies strong.through this project, texas fast: texas experiential learning & scholarship program for food & agricultural science training, our lady of the lake university (OLLU) will help undergraduate students gain the knowledge and skills needed for FANH careers. Located in SAN antonio at the crossroads of urban and rural communities, OLLU is a small, close-knit university with a strong record of supporting first-generation college students and connecting them to agricultural opportunities across south texas and beyond. With its focus on mentoring, proven student success programs, and commitment to overcoming barriers, OLLU is uniquely positioned to prepare students for meaningful careers in agriculture and natural resources. The program focuses on three main approaches. IT offers scholarships to reduce financial barriers, mentoring and advising to help students stay on track, and a living-learning community that encourages academic success. Students will also take part in hands-on learning through research, fieldwork, and paid internships with agricultural partners. The goal of this project is to graduate students who are ready to serve in jobs that directly benefit farmers, ranchers, and producers. Students will build research skills, leadership abilities, and practical know-how that employers in agriculture value. By preparing the next generation of professionals, this program will strengthen the agricultural workforce and ensure ongoing support for food production, land stewardship, and rural communities.