April 15 – Students from Alvin Junior High School recently paid a visit to the Prairie View A&M University campus as a stop on their college tour. While visiting, students had a hands-on, fully in-depth learning of everything the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences has to offer.
It was a full day of activities and gaining knowledge for the students. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Department Head, Dr. Kwaku Addo who shared with the group general information about CAHS and the resources available to
them that will ensure their success as PVAMU students. On the first stop for the day of events, Research Scientist Dr. Ripendra Awal taught the group about technology in eco-systems and the work being done in CAHS to engage in research and inform communities. The group then metwith Research Scientist Leader for Food Systems, Dr. Deland Myers, and learned about his initiatives in food science technology and food security. Students would also visited the College of Architecture, toured student housing, and learned of the infinite possibilities of success available to them at the John B. Coleman Library. The day finished with a tour of the Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and the International Goat Research Center with IGRC Senior Research Associate, Scott Horner.
The students and attending faculty thoroughly enjoyed the time spent on The Hill as they took the entire day to learn all there is about agriculture at PVAMU. Alvin Junior High student Brian expressed his gratitude for all that he was able to learn about PVAMU during the visit. “I really enjoyed everything offered today. Also, I thought the agriculture and animals were awesome.” Another student, Samantha, shared how their visit to the university truly stood out amongst others. “Prairie View A&M University is the best college trip we have taken so far. They have an amazing farm and a good program for what I want to take.”
Having the opportunity to experience PVAMU for a day is something these students will cherish for years to come. AVID Coordinator for Alvin Junior High Sandra Cain, expressed her sincere gratitude to not only CAHS, but the university as whole for being very accommodating and allowing her students to be exposed to such an outstanding institution. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to experience the type of college tour you offered. Truly, you all went above what we had even expected. So on behalf of the students and staff that attended, please express to everyone involved how thankful we are for such an enjoyable as well as informative tour. The students left with a greater understanding of what college actually offers and some even expressed that one day they would like to attend Prairie View A&M University.”
This opportunity for Alvin Junior High School to participate in such a tour was made possible thanks to the efforts of USDA Liaison Horace Hodge who played a major role in coordinating this event.
This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 1890 Extension Formula Program projects under Section 1444.
Taelor Smith
Communications Specialist
tasmith@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5155