Enhancing forest product curricula in AI via experiential learning

Mississippi State University received a $150,000 Project Grant award on September 15, 2025, from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants (SPECA) program (CFDA 10.226) to enhance forest product curricula through artificial intelligence (AI) and experiential learning. The project, with a completion date of September 14, 2027, focuses on developing curriculum enhancements that integrate AI technologies with hands-on educational experiences to strengthen postsecondary education in forest products and related agricultural sciences.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) serves as a sub-awardee responsible for introducing the developed curriculum to students at the UAM College of Technology-McGehee and UAM College of Technology-Crossett campuses beginning February 23, 2026. This collaborative approach aligns with the SPECA program's objectives to create seamless educational pathways between institutions and promote student interest in agriculture and natural resource careers through curriculum innovation and enhanced instructional delivery methods.