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NIFA supports research, educational, and extension efforts in a wide range of scientific fields related to agricultural and behavioral sciences.

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    Second Annual Virtual Grants Support Technical Assistance Workshop
    Check out this five-day workshop in March 2024 workshop, designed to help you learn about NIFA grants and resources for grants development and management.

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    Learning and EngagementSharePrint Friendly Email Twitter Facebook
    
    Education
      Learning and Engagement
          Minority Serving Institutions
          Workforce DevelopmentNIFA programs targeting the Learning and Engagement goal allow the development of innovative curriculum, recruitment/retention programs, experiential learning opportunities, teacher training opportunities, and procure new instrumentation for teaching. Additionally, the investments targeting this goal differ from Minority Serving Institution (MSI) investments because they are open to all secondary and undergraduate educational institutions.

Importance of Learning and engagement

Educational institutions need to provide cutting-edge training and learning opportunities to (i) develop the specialized skills necessary to meet the emerging workforce demands in the food and agriculture sciences; (ii) prepare future scientists to help advance science and in turn, help feed a growing population; and (iii) enhance agricultural literacy in our secondary schools.  For example, to prepare scientists and agribusiness professionals who can address the complex challenges of the 21st Century, educational institutions need to develop programs and curricula that equip their students with modern technological tools and scientific knowledge.  At the same time, the agricultural industry is seeking employees who are not only trained in food, agriculture, natural resources, human science and related science disciplines but who also have non cognitive education and relevant experiential learning.  To ensure that citizens are aware of farming’s impact on the economy and society, secondary school curricula must emphasize the interlocking role of farming and food and fiber production with environmental quality.

NIFA’s Impact

NIFA's educational efforts seek to improve scientific and agricultural literacy and open opportunities for vocational and professional careers in agriculture. Our programs support efforts to:

Provide opportunities for K-14 educators and administrators to obtain immersive learning experiences in agriculture
	Recruit and train students in agriculture and related sciences
	Develop and improve experiential learning programs
	Advance the development of high-quality educational curricula
	Enhance learning methods, including those involving hands-on experience
	Design teacher preparation and professional development programs
	Promote linkages among secondary, two-year postsecondary, and higher education programs in food and agricultural sciences

  Programs
    Women and Minorities in STEM (WAMS)
              Resident Instruction Grants (RIIA) and Distance Education Grants (DEG) for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas
              Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Program
              SPECA Grant Program
              National Awards for Excellence in College and University Teaching in the Food and Agricultural Sciences Program
              Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program
              Insular Areas
              Urban, Indoor, and Emerging Agriculture
              Equipment Grants Program (EGP)
              Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS)
              From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals (NextGen)

  Funding Opportunities
    Tribal Colleges Extension Program: Special Emphasis
              Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas and Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment
              Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program
              Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program
              Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants Program
              CYFAR 4-H Military Partnership Professional Development and Technical Assistance
              Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants (TCEG) Program
              From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals (NextGen)
              Research Facilities Act Program
              Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Return to top
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