This project is proposed to integrate teaching and research components

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Prairie View A&M University $597,741 under the 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants program (CFDA 10.216) on December 15, 2025, to integrate teaching and research components in food, agriculture, and natural resources (FANR) with international experience pathways for students. The project runs through December 14, 2028, and is performed at the university's Prairie View, Texas campus.

The award funds curriculum development and student experiences designed to expose students to international research methodologies and agricultural practices relevant to opening new markets for U.S. commodities and addressing trade deficits. The project targets increased enrollment and recruitment in FANR disciplines and development of a skilled workforce equipped with insights into global agricultural markets and production systems. The work aligns with Executive Order 14283, which directs federal investment in historically Black colleges and universities to enhance capacity for high-quality education and workforce preparation in key industries.

The 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants program supports the 17 historically Black land-grant universities established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, including Prairie View A&M, to strengthen research, Extension, and teaching capacity in the food and agricultural sciences through cooperative programs with federal and non-federal entities.

In the rapidly evolving fields of food agriculture and natural resources (fanr) IT is crucial to cultivate a skilled workforce. In fanr complex global challenges such as trade, food security and resource management require innovative solutions. International experience is essential for developing skills that are particularly relevant in opening US exports to global markets. These experiences expose students to different research methodologies and agricultural practices, which are particularly relevant when opening new markets for US commodities and addressing trade deficits. The major outcome of this project would be an increased number of skilled workforces and enhanced enrollment and recruitment in fanr. This would address the american first goal of the administration, by providing students insights into global agricultural markets and production. This program aligned with the EO 14283, titled white house initiative to promote excellence and innovation at historically black colleges and universities to bolster hbcus by enhancing their capacity for high-quality education and improving workforce preparation in key industries.