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Abstract

The primary objective of the Combining Youth Passion and Resources for Environmental Sciences Studies (CYPRESS) Project was to increase awareness and generate interest among minority students regarding agriculture-related careers, in rural SC. The students participated in 4H after-school programs, summer camps, and an Ag-Science course. There were also workshops for teachers and parents for them to support the students. Data from the project were analyzed using pre- and post-survey methods. The results revealed that 26% of 4H after-school participants were interested in pursuing agriculture-related careers; 43% of summer camp participants were interested in pursuing such careers, and 5% of the Ag-Science course participants were interested in pursuing such careers. Despite the low percentage response of the Ag-Science course participants, overall, CYPRESS exposed over 600 students to agriculture-related careers. This is expected to ultimately, have a positive impact on enrollment in agriculture-related majors.

Keywords: Agriculture-Related Careers, Career Model, Career Preparation, 4-H After-School Programs, Minority Students

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