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 leading project will build…

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 leading project will build and support the next generation of the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (fanh) workforce. The main goals are to:improve student success by helping participants graduate on time, gain important technical and professional skills, and prepare for USDA careers; create a clear path for students to move from high school, through college and graduate school, and into federal employment in fanh fields; provide strong mentoring networks among peers, teachers, faculty, and USDA professionals so that students are better prepared for internships and careers; form lasting partnerships between four universities, local high schools, and USDA agencies to encourage students to pursue fanh degrees and careers; andshare project outcomes in ways that other schools can use and adapt. The project will offer three main areas of support: student scholarship projects (financial help, career fairs, mentoring), experiential learning projects (USDA internships, educational tours, and support from over 200 USDA sites), and outreach and engagement projects (youth programs, community programs, and online resources).leading directly supports the goals of the USDA nextgen program and USDA strategic goals 5 and 6. Over the life of the project, IT will serve 295 undergraduate students, 142 graduate students, 800 high school students, and 800 teachers. Through these activities, participants will gain knowledge, skills, and awareness of clear pathways to training and careers in the federal workforce.