PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (October 26, 2023) — In a significant milestone for agricultural education and outreach, Dr. Cynthia Pierfax, an extension program specialist at the Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University, has been awarded a $475,000 grant. The project, centered around the strengths of the 1890 Land Grant Universities (1890 LGU) system, aims to equip youth of color in middle and high school with the essential leadership skills vital for careers in agriculture. 

The primary focus of the initiative is the reimagining and enhancement of outreach for 4-H Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs, targeting vulnerable and underserved youth. This endeavor aligns closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) priorities of advancing racial justice, equity, and opportunity, as well as promoting workforce development. Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) Program Leader Rukeia Draw-Hood, Ph.D., and Extension Program Specialist, Guadalupe Castro are Co-PIs on this project.  

This remarkable achievement underscores our commitment to advancing agricultural education and empowering youth of color for a brighter future in the field,” said PVAMU Vice President of Research & Innovation Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., MBA. “This project is poised to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of agricultural education and outreach.” 

 The project will address key areas outlined by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), emphasizing agriculture systems and technology, along with agriculture economics and rural communities. Dr. Pierfax’s comprehensive approach reflects her dedication to holistic agricultural education.

Cynthia Pierfax, Ph.D.

 “This is a monumental achievement that broadens our capacity to reach the most underserved Texans and invite them into the STEM side of agricultural careers,” said Pierfax. “Agriculture is a science. You don’t have to work on a farm to have a career in ag — engineers, chefs, and dieticians all share a space in this field.” 

 The anticipated audience for this groundbreaking project includes youth of color from various LGU programs, encompassing 1890, 1862, and 1994 designations.  

 The objectives are threefold: firstly, to amplify minority youth participation in college and career preparation programs, as well as the national 4-H program. Secondly, to provide essential training for 4-H faculty and staff in positive youth development (PYD) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) concepts crucial for guiding youth from underserved communities. Finally, the project seeks to establish a national model for career and college preparation within these underserved communities of color. 

 Dr. Pierfax envisions a transformative impact on the agricultural landscape over a five-year performance period, which will be requested to complete the project. This initiative not only promises to foster the next generation of diverse agricultural leaders but also aligns perfectly with the broader societal goals of inclusivity and equity. 

 “PVAMU is spearheading a relevant pedagogy that resonates with our audience, which includes every citizen in the State of Texas. This grant gives the opportunity to design a new program that allows us to teach in a way that resonates with our students,” said Pierfax. 

 

By Jenna Craig 

*Academic course instruction is not affected by the passage of SB 17. The law specifically states that its limitations may not be construed to apply scholarly research or a creative work by an institution of higher education’s students, faculty, or other research personnel or the dissemination of that research or work. This page reference is to specific research interest of a professor, Dr. Cynthia Pierfax.*