Following university initiatives and ohio state workforce development priorities, this project (1) enhances the sustainable agriculture curricula, by developing new experiential learning and…

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Central State University $599,999 on February 1, 2026, under the 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants program (CFDA 10.216) to enhance sustainable agriculture curricula and build student workforce competencies in agricultural sciences.

The project develops experiential learning and research opportunities, institutional and industry partnerships, and new academic programming, including a certificate program for nontraditional learners. Central State University implements multidisciplinary learning communities to strengthen students' leadership and career competencies, fosters undergraduate research in cooperation with the Agricultural Research & Development Program, and provides faculty professional development workshops to enhance teaching capabilities and technological access. The institution supports student internships, encourages undergraduate research participation and presentation at scientific meetings, and strengthens recruitment and retention strategies to attract diverse students to agricultural study and careers. Institutional and industry partnerships enable resource and curriculum sharing, mentoring, and expanded institutional networks.

Performance takes place in Wilberforce, Ohio, with a period of performance extending from February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029. Outcomes will be measured through publication of student and faculty research, increased student participation in internships, and growth in agricultural graduate study or career placement. Best practices in teaching, experiential learning, and leadership development will be shared through training activities.

Following university initiatives and ohio state workforce development priorities, this project (1) enhances the sustainable agriculture curricula, by developing new experiential learning and research opportunities, institutional and industry partnerships, and new academic programming at CSU, (2) develops multidisciplinary learning communities to bolster leadership and career competencies to better prepare students for the agricultural workforce, and (3) strengthens recruitment and retention strategies aimed at agricultural students to attract more diverse students to CSU and the U.S. Agricultural industry. The project focuses on improving curriculum by implementing experiential learning activities inside and outside the classroom and developing a certificate program for nontraditional learners. Multidisciplinary learning communities will be implemented to develop students' leadership and workforce competencies; foster research skills in cooperation with the agricultural research & development program; and utilize the knowledge of agricultural sciences through institutional and industry partnerships. Project resources provide faculty professional development workshops, enhance teaching capabilities, and improve technological access for students. The project supports student internships and encourages undergraduate research including presenting at scientific meetings. Project partnerships allow sharing of resources and curriculum, mentoring students, and combining institutional networks. Reaching these goals strengthen agricultural science programs at CSU to positively impact recruitment and retention. The outcomes of this project will be gauged through publication of student and faculty research, increased numbers of students participating in internships and graduating into agricultural graduate study or careers, and the foundation of new institutional networks. Best practices in teaching, experiential learning, and leadership development will be shared in training workshops.