Agriculture Education Thriving in Midwest

John Brewer, associate administrator and general sales manager for the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of USDA recently paid a visit to the students of the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHAS) to see firsthand the value of agriculture education. The school was excited to have Mr. Brewer visit the school as one of the many special events for students, who were embarking on a month full of agricultural education events including the World Food Prize in Des Moines and the 82^nd Annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

 

The mission of CHAS is to provide opportunities for diverse students from across the city to study agriculture. The school works to develop technologically proficient graduates with marketable skills as well as college-level competencies who will have the power to change the image of agriculture in urban areas. The school has approximately 600 students from all over the city who possess special talents in science and math.

   

USDA officials and employees have visited the school several times over the years to address the students on the role of the organization, current issues related to agriculture, and job and internship opportunities.

Mr. Brewer toured the school and spoke to a class of approximately 25 students regarding the role of FAS. Students at the school can choose from five career pathways: food science; animal science; horticultural and landscape design; agriculture finance and economics; and agricultural mechanics and technology. Mr. Brewer talked about the importance of each of these to agriculture around the world.

A group of approximately 20 students stayed after school for a roundtable discussion with Mr. Brewer. These students represented a variety of grade levels and career paths, including FFA officers. The school boasts the largest National FFA Organization chapter in the Midwest and all students at the school are members.

During the roundtable, Mr. Brewer spoke about his role at FAS and the career path that led him to his current position. Many of the students posed questions regarding current issues related to agriculture such as H1N1 and food security. The quality of their education was evident as the students were extremely informed about current agriculture issues, asking thoughtful questions and offering insightful observations during this roundtable discussion.

It is the hope that additional representatives from USDA can continue to visit schools like the CHAS to spread the message about the importance of agricultural education and the opportunities the USDA provides for those seeking a career in agriculture.

Permalink  |  Posted: 11:01AM Oct 23, 2009 by Gayle Turner in USDA Web Site  |  Add Your Comment Here [0]

Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Amqui Elementary School in Madison, TN

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Amqui Elementary School in Madison, TN yesterday as part of the Obama Administration's 'My Education, My Future' events.

This trip was particularly important for the Secretary because he got a first-hand look at the work of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service programs. The USDA plays an integral role in the education of America’s children through the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs.

Amqui Elementary, a designated ‘Team Nutrition school,’ has made a commitment to healthy students and works to make healthy changes in school meals, provides nutrition education programs, and promotes physical activity consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA’s nutrition standards.

Secretary Vilsack was joined by Dr. Janey Thornton, Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services and Principal Sharon Elrod and Vice Principal Janet Overton in the school’s cafeteria and witnessed the benefits of the National School Lunch Program - happy children enjoying healthy meals.

The principals wholeheartedly agreed that for our students to meet their educational goals, we must make sure that no child arrives at school hungry and that nutritious meals and healthy communities are part of every educational program. The positive impact of a balanced nutritious meal on the ability of a student to learn and prosper in an academic setting cannot be understated. Amqui Elementary serves over 340 breakfasts and over 670 lunch meals per day. This means that 91% of the student body of 730 students is getting a healthy nutritious meal that will keep them on the path to successful learning.

Amqui Elementary was serving up a healthy plate of fruits, a bean tortilla and plenty of vegetables, both cooked and raw. As the Secretary spoke with 4th graders he praised the school’s meal choice that was heavy on the fresh fruits and vegetables, a.k.a. “anytime snacks” and talked about limiting the sweets and less nutritious items referred to as “sometimes snacks.”

The Secretary also came bearing gifts and presented the 4th graders with a goodie bag featuring ‘MyPyramid’ information to help students to eat smart, and stay active and healthy.

Permalink  |  Posted: 03:15PM Sep 09, 2009 by Kim Duncan in USDA Web Site  |  Add Your Comment Here [0]

Vilsack meets with FFA leaders

Secretary Vilsack spoke this morning at the Future Farmers of America State Presidents' meeting. He had the opportunity to meet with FFA's national and state leaders, and took a few minutes to congratulate them on their election to leadership posts in an organization of more than 500,000 active members.

Vilsack highlighted the challenges facing American agriculture into the future, and emphasized the role young farmers will play in keeping U.S. farms and ranches secure and productive for years to come.



USDA has enjoyed a great relationship with FFA, especially in administering programs which directly benefit students nationwide who aspire to work in agriculture. Our Ag in the Classroom program helps K-12 students gain a greater awareness of agriculture's role in the economy and in society. USDA also administers a $1.7 million "Grants to Youth Serving Institutions" program (also known as the Rural Youth Development Program). For seven years, this program has helped to fund opportunities for the Girl Scouts, FFA, and 4-H in rural areas.

You can always learn more about USDA's activities reaching out to youth and communities by visiting the Cooperative State Research, Extension and Education Service online.

Permalink  |  Posted: 03:13PM Jul 22, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA Web Site  |  Add Your Comment Here [0]

Vilsack meets with Duncan, reads for students

This afternoon, Secretary Vilsack and Education Secretary Arne Duncan met with elementary school students from Arlington, Virginia visiting the Department of Education for the day. The students had the opportunity to learn about the Secretaries' work, and Secretary Vilsack took some time to read "The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper for the kids!

Permalink  |  Posted: 05:50PM Jul 17, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA Web Site  |  Add Your Comment Here [0]