Source: Houston Community College submitted to
AGRICULTURE OUT OF BOUNDS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0226388
Grant No.
2011-38422-30953
Project No.
TEXE-2011-02409
Proposal No.
2011-02409
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
NJ
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2011
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2014
Grant Year
2011
Project Director
Durnovo, M.
Recipient Organization
Houston Community College
(N/A)
Houston,TX 77002
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Houston Community College, Prairie View A & M University and Dayton ISD will develop Aquaponics: a new, sustainable, earth-conscious green initiative. We will recruit and engage Hispanic into careers in Aquaponics and sustainable agriculture, and develop a new curriculum. During the 24-month period of the grant, 500 high school and college students will participate in one or more activities.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
90360993020100%
Goals / Objectives
The Agriculture Out of Bounds proposal is designed to develop a new, sustainable, earth-conscious, green initiative in agriculture: Aquaponics, and a new curriculum that will teach students how to create and manage a remarkable and significant "eco system." This will be an innovative and groundbreaking program, changing traditional views of food production with a new curriculum, and will inspire students to enroll in a community college and an agricultural based university to complete a four-year degree. Objective 1: To increase underrepresented students' knowledge of educational opportunities and professional careers in horticulture (Aquaponics) and agriculture. Results: Students will gain 50% increase in knowledge about careers in horticulture, Aquaponics, agriculture, and university life in general. Fifty students will enroll for the summer program and gain additional knowledge about horticulture and agriculture. 100 students will tour local businesses to gain additional knowledge about horticulture and Aquaponics. Objective 2: To stimulate underrepresented students' interest in horticulture and agriculture and as viable educational and career paths. Results: 50 or more students will enroll in dual credit classes and earn college level credits. Fifty Dayton High School students will engage in college level activities with HCC and Prairie View A & M University. Five HCC students will enroll at Prairie View A & M and 10 Dayton High School students will enroll at HCC. Students learn about Horticulture and Agriculture Industry through mentorship, hands one experiences, and summer programs. Objective 3: To provide educational support to enable students to complete horticulture (aquaponic) and agriculture classes at Dayton ISD, HCC, and enroll in the PVAMU Bachelor of Science degree program. Results: High school students and college students are mentored; Cohort 1 maintains enrollment at PVAMU, Cohort 2 maintains enrollment at HCC. Dayton ISD and HCC students are mentored and monitored through their cohorts and gain knowledge about Horticulture and Aquaponics. Innovative activities include learning the basics of aquaponics by growing both fish and vegetables, understanding sustainable practices, understanding water principles, and the importance of good decisions in regards to health and nutrition. We believe this will generate a new interest to high school and college students who want to produce food and fish crops through alternative methods, thus supplying many consumers the ability to purchase locally and naturally grown produce! We will include dual credit enrollment in horticulture, tours of local sustainable producers, a three-day summer experience at Prairie View A&M University and guest speakers who can address the benefits of sustainable agriculture, water quality and quantity issue and health and nutrition. All activities will be coupled with mentoring, and interaction with professionals who will make this a transformative experience. The cooperating partners are deeply committed to increasing the enrollment and retention of Hispanic and economically challenged students.
Project Methods
This project is grounded in a problem-based, multidisciplinary approach. Collaborative work in the Dayton high school classroom will be complemented by experiences at HCC and PVAMU, with information regarding careers, educational requirements, employment experience, job outlook, salary, and business potential. Objective 1: Increase Hispanic and underrepresented students' knowledge of educational opportunities and professional careers in horticulture (aquapoincs), sustainable and alternative agriculture and natural resources. a) Interactive demonstrations: Presented by HCC & PVAMU Faculty with Dayton ISD faculty each semester of the grant; also presented to 50 HCC students. b) Engage parents throughout the process. Invite parents to Encuentro Day at HCC each year of the two-year grant (an event conducted completely in Spanish). c) Tour aquaponic facilities. d) Tour of PVAMU: PVAMU faculty will provide guided tours for 100 students and parents. e) Summer Academy at PVAMU. Objective 2 To stimulate underrepresented students' interest in horticulture and agriculture as viable educational and career paths. a) Develop three Aquaponic courses b) Dual Credit classes: Dayton ISD students enroll in horticulture and agriculture dual credit courses with scholarship assistance. Develop Aquaponic curriculum. c) Dayton ISD students & HCC will develop their own portfolios demonstrating the lettuce/herb growth process. Dayton HS students will visit HCC program. d) Provide Aquaponics curriculum materials students in the Dayton ISD. e) Dayton High School students take Career Readiness tests and have on line access to prepare for testing. f) Students learn how to properly handle food crops. Information on food safety including conditions that lead to E coli and salmonella. g) PVAMU Summer Program (Year 2)- 3 day program to introduce students to PVAMU and related programs Objective 3: To provide educational support to enable students to complete horticulture (aquaponic) and agriculture classes at Dayton ISD, HCC, and enroll in the PVAMU BS degree program. a) Project Advisory Board: Form advisory board. The advisory board will work to obtain 10 industry internships for students and five industry-sponsored scholarships. b) Student cohorts: Select Dayton ISD cohorts (5 seniors) and HCC cohort (5 students). c) Mentoring: 15 Dayton ISD and 5 HCC students will spend time with HCC and PVAMU mentors, and aquaponic industry professionals. d) Internships: Selected Dayton ISD and HCC cohort students will work for three weeks as interns in local greenhouses. e) Student Advising: Cohort participants will interact with Dayton ISD counselors and in the HCC Student Advising. f) Career Services: Students will attend HCC & PVAMU Career Services.

Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The Agriculture Out of Bounds Grant, #2011-38422-30953, was designed to expose underrepresented and economically challenged students to a new sustainable, earth-conscious, green initiative to agriculture: Aquaponics. This is a pilot program between HCC and Dayton Independent School District and, in year 2, the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, a 4 year university partner, designed to promote and educate underrepresented students regarding the USDA fields of aquaponics, sustainable agriculture, water issues and the promotion of health and nutrition. Dayton Independent School District is a diverse, yet economically challenged high school. This school district is located 30 miles from Houston and is located in Liberty County. The number of students from Dayton who enroll into two-year and four-year colleges is less than 25%. Consequently, many students often settle for minimum wage jobs due to lack of exposure of higher education. By partnering with both HCC and University of Houston, these students will receive valuable hands on experience, mentorship and a broader sense of opportunities. These students will have the opportunity to work on and complete both two-year and four-year degrees. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training and professional development for the Agriculture Out of Bounds Grant included tours at local hydroponic and aquaponic farms where classes are offered and internships for students are also available each semester. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Awebsite (http://aquaponics.hccs.edu/) for the USDA Agriculture Out of Bounds grant and a poster areused asdissemination tools. Instructors in the program advertise in their classes and HCC disseminates information about this USDA grant through its annual community report, which is disseminated throughout the Houston/Harris County Metropolitan Statistical Area. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? For the extension of this grant, HCC has partnered with Spring Branch ISD and the University of Houston, where new aquaponic facilities have been developed.Funding left in this grant account will be allocated toscholarships for students to continue taking dual credit classes in agriculture, hydroponics, and aquaponics. HCC will expire all funds prior to the end of 2014,at which time a final report will be submitted to USDA.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: To increase underrepresented students' knowledge of educational opportunities and professional careers in horticulture (Aquaponics) and agriculture. February 3: Recruiting session for summer camps at the Spring Branch FFA meeting (40-45 people attended) May 15: Planning meeting for summer camps and to address student recruitment at the Guthrie Center, Spring Branch ISD (11 people attended) July 7-9: Summer camp hosted at the University of Houston campus; 18 students attended Objective 2: To stimulate underrepresented students' interest in horticulture and agriculture and as viable educational and career paths. May 19: Student recruitment day for summer camps at the Guthrie Center, Spring Branch ISD. We met with ag-science and culinary students – 3 sessions with 50-60 students in each session Objective 3: To provide educational support to enable students to complete horticulture (aquaponic) and agriculture classes at Dayton ISD, HCC, and enroll in the PVAMU Bachelor of Science degree program. HCC’s Horticulture and Agriculture program developed this new Aquaponics specialization on site, which is the combination of recirculating aquaculture and hydroponics (soil-less plant culture). The nutrient-rich water that results from raising fish provides a source of nutrients for the growing plants. Beneficial bacteria convert the toxic components of the fish waste into a form of nutrients usable by the plants. As the plants consume the nutrients, they help clean the water that the fish live in creating a natural microbial process. Aquaponics uses no fertilizers, no herbicides, implements natural biological controls and uses 97% less water than traditional agriculture. Originally partnering with Dayton Independent School District and Prairie View A & M University, Houston Community College has directly affected over 4500 students to date and additional students are affected daily with hands on learning opportunities on the HCC Campus Biodome. These students receive valuable hands on experience, mentorship and a broader sense of opportunities available in the ever changing agricultural sector. In addition, many of these students continue to have the opportunity to work on and complete both two-year and four-year degrees.

Publications


    Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/14

    Outputs
    Target Audience: The Agriculture Out of Bounds Grant, #2011-38422-30953, was implemented to expose underrepresented and economically challenged students to a new sustainable, earth-conscious, green initiative to agriculture: Aquaponics. This was a pilot program between HCC (34% Hispanic) and Dayton Independent School District (27% Hispanic and 57% economically challenged) and, in year 2, the University of Houston (26% Hispanic) Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, a 4 year university partner. The pilot worked to promote and educate underrepresented students regarding the USDA fields of aquaponics, sustainable agriculture, water issues and the promotion of health and nutrition. Students from Dayton Independent School District, as well as Houston Community College, were involved in the activities of the grant. Dayton ISD is a diverse, yet economically challenged high school. This school district is located in Liberty County, 30 miles from Houston. The number of students from Dayton who enroll at two-year and four year colleges is less than 25%. Consequently, many students often settle for minimum wage jobs due to lack of exposure of higher education. By partnering with both HCC and University of Houston, these students received valuable hands on experience, mentorship, and a broader sense of opportunities during the Agriculture Out of Bounds grant.. Changes/Problems: The project was modified, during year 1, to include a new four-year university partner. The original plan was to include Prairie View A & M University as a partner in the grant and, to that end, PVAMU submitted a Statement of Work for the grant proposal submission. PVAMU was scheduled to partner with HCC and provide two summer programs (one each year) and make two annual presentations to HCC and DISD students regarding career tracks in aquaponics, alternative and sustainable agriculture, and explained how students could complete the programs at HCC and PVAMU. This partnership plan had to be modified after numerous unsuccessful attempts over several months to obtain a signed Subcontract Agreement from PVAMU. After 8 months of waiting for a signed agreement, HCC grant administrators approached the administrators of the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College to become its university partner, to which the University of Houston agreed. USDA/NIFA was notified of the project’s intention to replace PVAMU with U of H. Dr. Jay Neal, an Assistant Professor in the UH Conrad N. Hilton College who earned his Ph.D. in food microbiology, served as the project manager for the U of H grant activities, as well as Dr. Sujata Sirsat, who conducts food safety research and teaches advanced food safety courses. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? During Year 2, the project manager and one student attended the fall, 2012 Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Conference in Washington, D.C., as well as the USDA Project Directors’ Meeting. Additionally, one student (Hispanic) was guided to work in Hawaii with the National Resource Conservation Services on marsh/sea grass/environmental studies. Training and professional development for the Agriculture Out of Bounds Grant included tours at local hydroponic and aquaponic farms where classes are offered and internships for students are also available each semester. HCC's Horticulture and Agriculture program developed this new Aquaponics specialization on site, which is the combination of recirculating aquaculture and hydroponics (soil-less plant culture). Houston Community College has directly affected over 4500 students to date and additional students are affected daily with hands on learning opportunities on the HCC Campus Biodome. These students received valuable hands on experience, mentorship and a broader sense of opportunities available in the ever changing agricultural sector. In addition, many of these students continued to have the opportunity to work on and complete both two-year and four year degrees. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? A website (http://aquaponics.hccs.edu/) for the USDA Agriculture Out of Bounds grant and a poster were used as dissemination tools. Instructors in the program advertised in their classes and HCC disseminated information about this USDA grant through its annual community report, which is disseminated throughout the Houston/Harris County Metropolitan Statistical Area. During Year 1, the grant partners disseminated 1,779 brochures and project partners contacted 610 students to highlight opportunities within the grant for which they might qualify. Three informational presentations regarding USDA opportunities were made at Dayton ISD to 1,049 students, 369 of whom were of Hispanic heritage (35 percent), and 250 parents, 30 of whom were Hispanic (12 percent). Participants in Year 2 attended the 9th Houston Shakers Ted Talk, held at the Houstonian Hotel and Conference center, at which time 30 attendees learned about grant opportunities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: To increase underrepresented students' knowledge of educational opportunities and professional careers in horticulture (Aquaponics) and agriculture. Results: Students will gain 50% increase in knowledge about careers in horticulture, Aquaponics, agriculture, and university life in general. During the grant period, over 1,600 students (500+ Hispanic) increased their knowledge of agricultural educational opportunities, USDA careers, and university life. Forty-five students attended a series of seminars on Biosecurity, Food Safety, Hydroponic and Aquaponic Food production hosted by the University of Houston. Brenda Anderson, Ag Out of Bounds Project Manager, was a panel expert for this Think Tank event, with over 40 students attending the Aquaponics panel discussion. A USDA Student Recruiting Day, conducted in January, 2012, on the HCC Northwest campus, was designed to expose students to opportunities available within the USDA. Twelve students attended, participated in the presentation, and completed the online application for student internships within the USDA for Summer 2012. The Houston Hispanic Forum Recruiting Day, held February 25, 2012, at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, hosted 2000 students from 24 school districts around the Houston area. HCC hosted a booth where over 700 students stopped by, filled out information forms, and requested information on opportunities at HCC. Specifically, the HCC Agriculture department had two tables and gathered information on over 100 students and promoted opportunities within the USDA. Twenty-six (26) students confirmed that they would be attending HCC during the fall 2012 semester and completed forms to do so. Over the 3 years of the grant, 55 students gained additional knowledge about horticulture and agriculture through the summer camps, surpassing the target of 50 students. During the Year 1 summer camp, 24 Dayton ISD students toured and spent the night at St. Edwards University, learning about agriculture sciences and USDA opportunities. During Years 2 and 3, 31 students stayed in University of Houston dorms, toured the college, and attended a panel discussion with produce vendors, chefs and farmers. They also heard lectures on food safety and agricultural practices, performed microbial testing techniques for water, produce, and environmental sampling, and experienced a shopping and cooking session. They completed the camp by touring Houston’s Produce Row, Houston fish markets, two food markets, and eating lunch with a local chef who uses aquaponic products. Of the 55 students, at least 44 percent identified as Hispanic. Another result focused on 100 students gaining additional knowledge about horticulture and Aquaponics by touring local businesses. The Leadership Development Conference, a contest/recruiting conference developed by the HCC Horticulture and Agriculture departmentwas carried out in November of Year 2. This conference included tours of the biodome/greenhouse area, as well as fliers showcasing USDA opportunities and the Ag Out of Bounds grant. Over 450 students, as well as at least 50 agriculture teachers, attended. Also, in January of 2013, the project manager spoke on 91.3 KPVU radio regarding HCC and the grant, reaching all of Waller County and surrounding areas. For all activities, at least 25% of participants identified as Hispanic. Objective 2: To stimulate underrepresented students' interest in horticulture and agriculture and as viable educational and career paths. Twenty nine students enrolled in the dual credit course, HALT 1370, Introduction to Aquaponics, Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 2 lab), developed by Project Manager Brenda Anderson and John Reynolds, DISD Agriculture instructor. Students were introduced to the history of aquaponics as well as a variety of system designs that maintain water quality by various solids removal techniques. Also covered was fish production, plant production, and economics. Additionally, student recruitment day for summer camps at the Guthrie Center, Spring Branch ISD, were successful with around 150 students attending. Ten additional dual credit students were enrolled in Aquaponics, and 10 were enrolled in LEAD (Workforce Development with Critical Thinking). These students took the National Career Readiness Certification, an industry-recognized, portable, evidence-based credential that certifies essential skills needed for workplace success, including problem solving; critical thinking; reading and using work-related text; applying information from workplace documents to solve problems; applying mathematical reasoning to work-related problems; setting up and performing work-related mathematical calculations; locating, synthesizing, and applying information that is presented graphically; and comparing, summarizing, and analyzing information presented in multiple related graphics. Additionally, 29 students were enrolled in the Food Safety and Biosecurity class. In April, 2012, one faculty member and two students attended a hands-on learning conference in Brooksville, Florida at Green Acre Aquaponics. Green Acre Aquaponics teaches aquaponics methods, science, and business issues. This is a hands-on practical class designed to teach everything needed to run your own successful aquaponics farm. This seminar exposed students to the practicality of commercial aquaponics as a viable alternative to soil agriculture. Students met with industry leaders and toured sites of various industry growers. These activities helped underrepresented students have higher expectations for themselves and become more aware of USDA focused educational and career paths. Objective 3: To provide educational support to enable students to complete horticulture (aquaponic) and agriculture classes at Dayton ISD, HCC, and enroll in the PVAMU Bachelor of Science degree program. One on one student advisement meetings with 685 8th and 11th grade students (27 percent Hispanic) were conducted, at which USDA educational and career opportunities, as well as dual credit and grant activities were discussed. Two achievement awards activities were attended by 455 students (9 percent Hispanic) and 50 parents (28 percent Hispanic). Mentoring activities, provided by Brenda Anderson, Benecia Bendele, and John Reynolds, were provided to 24 students (29 percent Hispanic) during Year 1. Mentoring activities included one on one counseling, classroom teaching, and group discussion that focused on encouraging interest in the Aquaponics dual credit class. Benefits to the mentees included individual recognition, encouragement, and support; increased self-esteem and confidence; and increased self-assurance to challenge themselves to achieve new goals and explore alternatives. Two students from Dayton ISD received scholarships in the amount of $2500 each. The grant project activities specifically supported USDA Strategic Goal #1, Objective 1.3, To provide science-based knowledge and technologies to generate new or improved high-quality products and processes to expand markets for the agriculture sector, by focusing on targeted career fields in horticulture, aquaponics, water quality, and natural resource conservation. Students built an aquaponics system at the DISD greenhouse and currently use it for growing lettuce and herbs.

    Publications


      Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13

      Outputs
      Target Audience: This is a pilot program between HCC and DISD and, in year 2, the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, a 4 year university partner, designed to promote and educate underrepresented students regarding the USDA fields of aquaponics, sustainable agriculture, water issues and the promotion of health and nutrition. Houston Community College Project Director, Dr. Maya Durnovo, and Project Manager, Brenda Anderson, were responsible for all aspects of the project during Year 2. They and two DISD faculty members, Benecia Bendele, Counselor and Associate Principal at Dayton High School, and Dayton High School Agriculture teacher, John Reynolds, ensured that project activities were available to students and that students received recognition for their participation and entry into this educational and career pathway. Ultimately, HCC and the University of Houston will partner with additional high school agriscience departments to deliver similar programs. Dayton High School is the start of the pathway of this project, from high school to community college to the completion of a four-year degree and, finally, to a USDA internship and/or career. Dayton Independent School District is a diverse, yet economically challenged high school. This school district is located 30 miles from Houston and is located in Liberty County. The number of students from Dayton who enroll into two-year and four-year colleges is less than 25%. Consequently, many students often settle for minimum wage jobs due to lack of exposure of higher education. By partnering with both HCC and University of Houston, these students will receive valuable hands on experience, mentorship and a broader sense of opportunities. These students will have the opportunity to work on and complete both two-year and four-year degrees. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The current horticulture program staff at DISD High School was eager to partner with HCC to develop an Aquaponic curriculum for their high school agricultural program; consequently, two agricultural science teachers at Dayton High School completed a 16 week instructional course, taught by Aquaponics Project Manager, Brenda Anderson, who led the development of the aquaponics curriculum. The curriculum has since been implemented in DISD in high school agriculture classes. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? During October, 2011, the website for the USDA Agriculture Out of Bounds grant was established and a poster was designed to use as a dissemination tool.. Participants in Year 2 attended the 9th Houston Shakers Ted Talk, held at the Houstonian Hotel and Conference center, at which time 30 attendees learned about grant opportunities. HCC disseminates information about this USDA grant through its annual community report, which is disseminated throughout the Houston/Harris County Metropolitan Statistical Area. University of Houston joined the grant this year, with Dr. Sujata Sirsat who currently conducts food safety research and teaches advanced food safety courses. Dr. Jay Neal also works on the grant. His research interests include food safety training for non-English speakers, food safety training for retail deli environments, methods to develop a food safety culture, food service systems, postharvest interventions and decontamination treatments for food products. These two faculty members are responsible for communicating the planned activities on the University of Houston campus. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

      Impacts
      What was accomplished under these goals? 1) Major Activities Completed The Agriculture Out of Bounds grant (Ag Out of Bounds) is designed to develop a new, sustainable, earth-conscious, green initiative in agriculture through aquaponics, and a new curriculum that will teach students how to create and manage a remarkable and significant “eco system.” The Agriculture Out of Bounds grant addresses the USDA Educational Need Areas of Student Recruitment and Retention (Pt I, C.1.f), and Student Experiential Learning (Pt I, C.1.e) through multiple hands-on, inquiry based activities conducted at Dayton High School in the Dayton Independent School District (DISD), Houston Community College (HCC), and the University of Houston (UH). During Year 2, the project manager and one student attended the fall, 2012 Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Conference in Washington, D.C. and the USDA Project Directors’ Meeting. The student interviewed with USDA and, upon graduation, will be considered for employment. University of Houston, our new joint partner in the Agriculture Out of Bounds grant, hosted a series of seminars on Biosecurity, Food Safety, Hydroponic and Aquaponic Food production. Brenda Anderson, Ag Out of Bounds Project Manager, was a panel expert for this Think Tank event, with over 40 students attending the Aquaponics panel discussion. The Leadership Development Conference, a contest/recruiting conference developed by the HCC Horticulture and Agriculture departmentwas carried out in November of Year 2. This conference included tours of the biodome/greenhouse area, as well as fliers showcasing USDA opportunities and the Ag Out of Bounds grant. Over 450 students, as well as at least 50 agriculture teachers, attended. Also, in January of 2013, the project manager spoke on 91.3 KPVU radio regarding HCC and the grant, reaching all of Waller County and surrounding areas. Ag Out of Bounds had 13 students, 12 of whom identified as Hispanic, attend its 3 day University of Houston sponsored 2013 summer camp. Students stayed in U of H dorms, toured the college, and attended a panel discussion with produce vendors, chefs and farmers. They also heard lectures on food safety and agricultural practices, performed microbial testing techniques for water, produce, and environmental sampling, and experienced a shopping and cooking session. They completed the camp by touring Houston’s Produce Row, Houston fish markets, two food markets, and eating lunch with a local chef who uses aquaponic products. 2) Specific Objectives Met Addressing Objective 1 of the grant, to increase Hispanic students' knowledge of educational opportunities and professional careers in horticulture (aquaponics) and agriculture, HCC hosted a booth at the Northwest College where over 700 students stopped by, filled out information forms, and requested information on opportunities at HCC. Specifically, the HCC Agriculture department and the Ag Out of Bounds grant had two tables and gathered information on over 100 specific students and promoted opportunities within the USDA. Grant Objective 2, to stimulate Hispanic students’ interest in horticulture (aquaponics) and agriculture as viable educational and career paths, was addressed at a USDA Student Recruiting Day, conducted in January, 2012, on the HCC Northwest campus, designed to expose students to opportunities available within the USDA. Twelve students attended, participated in the presentation, and completed the online application for student internships within the USDA for Summer 2012. Objective 3, Develop new curriculum in Aquaponics and submit to Texas Coordinating Board for approval, was addressed with the HCC class, HALT 1370, Introduction to Aquaponics, Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 2 lab), developed by Project Manager Brenda Anderson and John Reynolds, DISD Agriculture instructor. Twenty-nine DISD students enrolled in this dual credit class, taught by John Reynolds at Dayton ISD. Students were introduced to the history as well as a variety of system designs that maintain water quality by various solids removal techniques. Also covered was fish production, plant production, and economics. This project is an innovative and groundbreaking program, changing traditional views of food production with a new curriculum, and meets grant Objective 4, Increase the number of Hispanic students who complete horticulture and agriculture programs at Dayton ISD and HCC, and enroll in the Bachelor of Science degrees at University of Houston, by inspiring students to enroll in a community college and an agricultural based university to complete a four-year degree. 3) Significant Results Achieved (major findings, developments, conclusions) The grant project activities specifically supported USDA Strategic Goal #1, Objective 1.3, To provide science-based knowledge and technologies to generate new or improved high-quality products and processes to expand markets for the agriculture sector, by focusing on targeted career fields in horticulture, aquaponics, water quality, and natural resource conservation. For all activities of Year 2, at least 25% of those attending each activity were identified as Hispanic. 4) Key Outcomes or Other Accomplishments Realized (changes in knowledge, action, or condition) In January of Year 2, 10 dual credit students were enrolled in Aquaponics, and 10 were enrolled in LEAD (Workforce Development with Critical Thinking). These students will take the National Career Readiness Certification, an industry-recognized, portable, evidence-based credential that certifies essential skills needed for workplace success, including problem solving; critical thinking; reading and using work-related text; applying information from workplace documents to solve problems; applying mathematical reasoning to work-related problems; setting up and performing work-related mathematical calculations; locating, synthesizing, and applying information that is presented graphically; and comparing, summarizing, and analyzing information presented in multiple related graphics. Additionally, 29 students were enrolled in the Food Safety and Biosecurity class. Students built an aquaponics system at the DISD greenhouse and currently use it for growing lettuce and herbs. One student (Hispanic) is currently in Hawaii working with National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on marsh/sea grass/environmental studies. Two students from Dayton ISD received scholarships in the amount of $2500 each. Both ladies are Hispanic and are attending Texas A & M University at this time.

      Publications


        Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12

        Outputs
        OUTPUTS: During Year 1, the Agriculture Out of Bounds (Aquaponics) grant addressed the USDA Educational Need Areas of Student Recruitment and Retention (Pt I, C.1.f), and Student Experiential Learning (Pt I, C.1.e) through multiple hands-on, inquiry based activities conducted at Dayton High School in the Dayton Independent School District (DISD) and Houston Community College (HCC). Four faculty members from HCC and DISD worked a total of 389 hours on project activities, serving 2218 students, 593 (27 percent) of whom were of Hispanic heritage. The current horticulture program staff at DISD High School was eager to partner with HCC to develop an Aquaponic curriculum; consequently, two agricultural science teachers at Dayton High School completed a 16 week instructional course, taught by Aquaponics Project Manager, Brenda Anderson, who is the lead developer and instructor on the curriculum. The curriculum has since been implemented in DISD in high school agriculture classes. The grant project activities specifically support USDA Strategic Goal #1, Objective 1.3, To provide science-based knowledge and technologies to generate new or improved high-quality products and processes to expand markets for the agriculture sector, by focusing on targeted career fields in horticulture, aquaponics, water quality, and natural resource conservation. Grant Objective 3, to provide educational support to enable students to complete horticulture (aquaponics) and agricultural classes at Dayton ISD and HCC, and enroll in the U of H Conrad N. Hilton College degree program or a comparable university bachelor's degree program, was addressed as 29 students enrolled in a dual credit class at Dayton ISD. These students completed the HALT 1370, Introduction to Aquaponics class, developed by Project Manager Brenda Anderson and partner John Reynolds, DISD Agriculture instructor, who taught the class. Students built an aquaponics system at the DISD greenhouse and currently use it for growing lettuce and herbs. Additionally, in May, 2012, St. Edward's University, Austin, Texas, hosted 24 DISD high school students for an overnight excursion to tour St. Edward's university and learn of USDA and other opportunities available to them after they complete their Associate's Degree at HCC. During October, 2011, the website for the USDA Agriculture Out of Bounds grant was established and a poster was designed to use as a dissemination tool. Also, during Year 1, the grant partners disseminated 1,779 brochures and project partners contacted 610 students to highlight opportunities within the grant for which they may qualify. Three informational presentations regarding USDA opportunities were made at Dayton ISD to 1,049 students, 369 of whom were of Hispanic heritage (35 percent), and 250 parents, 30 of whom were Hispanic (12 percent). Two achievement awards activities were attended by 455 students (9 percent Hispanic) and 50 parents (28 percent Hispanic). One on one student advisement meetings with 685 8th and 11th grade students (27 percent Hispanic) were conducted, at which USDA educational and career opportunities, as well as dual credit and grant activities were discussed. PARTICIPANTS: This is a pilot program between HCC and DISD and, in year 2, the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, a 4 year university partner, to promote and educate underrepresented students regarding the USDA fields of aquaponics, sustainable agriculture, water issues and the promotion of health and nutrition. Houston Community College Project Director, Dr. Maya Durnovo, and Project Manager, Brenda Anderson, were responsible for all aspects of the project during Year 1. They and two DISD faculty members, Benecia Bendele, Counselor and Associate Principal at Dayton High School, and Dayton High School Agriculture teacher, John Reynolds, spent a total of 389 faculty hours making sure that project activities were available to students and that students received recognition for their participation and entry into this educational and career pathway. Ultimately, once the pilot program is complete, HCC and the University of Houston will partner with additional high school agriscience departments to deliver similar programs. Dayton High School is the start of the pathway of this project, from high school to community college to the completion of a four-year degree and, finally, to a USDA internship and/or career. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Agriculture Out of Bounds grant offers underrepresented students and their parents an innovative introduction to careers in horticulture, aquaponics, and sustainable and alternative agriculture methods. Grant partners in Year 1 included HCC and DISD. DISD is a diverse, yet economically challenged (57 percent) high school. This school district is located in Liberty County, 30 miles from Houston. The percentage of students from Dayton who enroll into two-year and four-year colleges is less than 25 percent. Consequently, many students often settle for minimum wage jobs due to their lack of exposure to higher education opportunities. HCC has a strong commitment to the success of underrepresented students and a long history of designing viable educational and career pathways, often in partnership with USDA. To promote more opportunities for students, HCC's Horticulture program is maximizing the use of a small Aquaponics system that was designed by Project Manager Brenda Anderson through her graduate thesis. The system has drawn noteworthy interest and excitement because Ms. Anderson has created a unique eco system that is self-sustaining. Students who attend Dayton ISD and HCC have received valuable hands on experience, mentorship and a broader sense of opportunities during Year 1 of the Agriculture Out of Bounds grant. Next year, with the addition of the UH Conrad N. Hilton College partnership, these students will have the opportunity to work on and complete both two-year and four-year degrees, which will help to close the gap between the number of underrepresented graduates and USA population demographics, and assist Hispanics to attain post secondary and post graduate degrees in the food, agriculture and natural resource sciences. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The project was modified, during year 1, to include a new four-year university partner. The original plan was to include Prairie View A & M University as a partner in the grant and, to that end, PVAMU submitted a Statement of Work for the grant proposal submission. PVAMU was scheduled to partner with HCC and provide two summer programs (one each year) and make two annual presentations to HCC and DISD students regarding career tracks in aquaponics, alternative and sustainable agriculture, and how students can complete the programs at HCC and PVAMU. This partnership plan had to be modified after numerous unsuccessful attempts over several months to obtain a signed Subcontract Agreement from PVAMU. After 8 months of waiting for a signed agreement, HCC grant administrators approached the administrators of the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College to become its university partner, to which the University of Houston agreed. USDA/NIFA has been notified of the project's intention to replace PVAMU with U of H. Dr. Jay Neal, an Assistant Professor in the UH Conrad N. Hilton College who has earned his Ph.D. in food microbiology, will serve as the project manager for the U of H grant activities. Dr. Neal's research interests are food microbiology, food safety training, food service systems, and post-harvest treatments for food products. A letter of commitment has been received from U of H and the transition information required by USDA/NIFA has been submitted.

        Impacts
        Grant Objective 2, to stimulate Hispanic students' interest in horticulture (aquaponics) and agriculture as viable educational and career paths, was addressed at a USDA Student Recruiting Day conducted in January, 2012, on the HCC campus, designed to expose students to opportunities available within the USDA. Twelve students attended, participated in the presentation, and completed the online application for student internships within the USDA for Summer 2012. One student (Hispanic) is currently in Hawaii working with National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on marsh/sea grass/environmental studies. Mentoring activities, provided by Brenda Anderson, Benecia Bendele, and John Reynolds, were provided to 24 students (29 percent Hispanic) during Year 1. Mentoring activities included one on one counseling, classroom teaching, and group discussion that focused on encouraging interest in the Aquaponics dual credit class. Benefits to the mentees included individual recognition, encouragement, and support; increased self-esteem and confidence; and increased self-assurance to challenge themselves to achieve new goals and explore alternatives. The Houston Hispanic Forum Recruiting Day, held February 25, 2012, at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, hosted 2000 students from 24 school districts around the Houston area. Addressing Objective 1 of the grant, to increase Hispanic students' knowledge of educational opportunities and professional careers in horticulture (aquaponics) and agriculture, HCC hosted a booth where over 700 students stopped by, filled out information forms, and requested information on opportunities at HCC. Specifically, the HCC Agriculture department had two tables and gathered information on over 100 students and promoted opportunities within the USDA. Twenty-six (26) students confirmed that they would be attending HCC during the fall 2012 semester and completed forms to do so. In April, 2012, one faculty member and two students attended a hands-on learning conference in Brooksville, Florida at Green Acre Aquaponics. Green Acre Aquaponics teaches aquaponics methods, science, and business issues. This is a hands-on practical class designed to teach everything needed to run your own successful aquaponics farm. This seminar exposed students to the practicality of commercial aquaponics as a viable alternative to soil agriculture. Students met with industry leaders and toured sites of various industry growers. These activities helped underrepresented students have higher expectations for themselves and become more aware of USDA focused educational and career paths.

        Publications

        • http://aquaponics.hccs.edu/ (2011)