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Summer Camp Adventures Spark Curiosity in Agriculture
NextGen campers harvesting raspberries in raspberry research field on CSU campus.
Twenty-one high school students spent two weeks on Central State University’s campus this summer, trading textbooks for lab coats and field boots as part of the NextGen in Ag summer program, June 16-27, 2025. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Next Generation program, the camp mixed career exploration, hands-on research and workforce development. The camp participants were able to participate in research activities in laboratories with the research scientist. This experience provided an opportunity to explore careers in food science, plant genetics and breeding, agricultural and food policy, and sustainable agriculture. In the apiculture lab Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay, campers examined beehive health and learned why mite-resistant breeding matters to beekeepers. In plant biology with Dr. Craig Schluttenhofer, they handled hemp seed trials and discussed the regulatory and market realities that shape crop choices. Dr. Rajveer Dhillon’s raspberry plots offered a break from microscopes: students learned precision-planting techniques and harvested raspberries, a simple moment that made the science feel immediate, rewarding, and tasty. “Harvesting fruit and then discussing the data behind it made everything click,” said one camper, who described how a morning in the raspberry field turned abstract lessons about collecting data for research into the realization that this research will help help farmers and address societal issues such as food insecurity. Nutrigenomics sessions with Dr. Pratibha Gupta introduced students to the links between diet and gene expression, while Dr. Marcus Nagle’s work on crop pollinators and the silflower showed how pollinator health underpins both research and farm productivity. Each rotation included lab safety, data
collection and discussions about career paths in extension, research and agribusiness. Central State University Extension staff helped the students learn about the link between the research and other camp activities to potential agricultural careers for the youth. “Students weren’t just watching demonstrations they were allowed the opportunity to research, explore, and discover viable options for solutions.” said Janet Corne’y, Interim 4-H Program Leader for CSU Extension. “There’s more to hands-on experiences that meets the eye. It’s what helps them imagine themselves in these roles.” As a program that focuses on workforce development, the youth learn technical skills that will be applicable to future careers. CSU Extension staff led sessions professional communication, such as public speaking, to help the campers learn soft skills that will help them be successful as they move from classroom learning to a career. “We want campers to leave with more than a certificate of completion,” said Nathan Hart, a CSU student and Extension camp coordinator. “We want them to leave with a network, a resume and a sense of what the day-to-day looks like in an agricultural career .” . The NextGen program is part of Central State’s broader effort to open pathways into agricultural science for students from underrepresented communities through mentorship and experiential learning. For many participants, the two weeks were a first look at research careers and a chance to picture themselves in the workforce that supports local food systems, urban and rural economies and community health. The opportunity to spend time on Central State University campus, participate in activities on
the research and demonstration farm, have experience in state-of-the-art laboratories and have conversations with faculty were impactful moments that will have a lasting real-world impression on these young minds.
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