The Cooperative Extension 4-H & Youth Development Program hosted Youth Leadership Laboratory (YLL), a 4-day/3-night pre-college outreach summer program at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, Texas, July 16-19. This year’s theme was “See Yourself in Agriculture,” and it focused on environmental education. The program began with Samuel Coleman, Acting Regional Administrator for EPA’s South Central Region (Region 6), who gave a presentation on the importance of environmental education in agriculture.
While there, the participants explored lessons on astronomy in agriculture, water pollution, and leadership skill development (working and communicating with others). The participants also had educational field lessons at Big Thicket National Preserve and Sam Houston State University. The program concluded with the SALE scholarship recipients’ ceremony and an arousing presentation by T. Powell (featured on ESPN E:60 and NFL Sunday Countdown) on perseverance.
As a result of this program, there was an increase in the percentage of participants exposed to careers in STEM and agriculture, as well as an awareness of STEM college majors. Participants made aware of STEM careers increased from 62% to 97%. Also, the participants who were made aware of careers in agriculture increased from 66% to 100%.
Youth participants during activity
Youth participant during activity
2017 Youth Leadership Laboratory participants are engaged in a water pollution learning activity that focused on chemical change
S.A.L.E. Scholarship recipients with family members and CEP agents
Participants on Big Thicket tour
2017 Youth Leadership Laboratory participants are engaged in an “Astronomy in Agriculture” lesson to increase their awareness of STEM disciplines in agriculture
Participants posing for Big Thicket National Parks Service Instagram picture
Joaquina Kankam
Program Specialist
(936) 261-5165
jokankam@pvamu.edu