The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment exceeding $15 million to bolster agriculture-related higher education programs at Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSI) across the United States. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for Hispanic students in fields related to food and agriculture.
"Hispanic-serving Institutions provide invaluable agricultural education programs and prepare Hispanic students across the nation for careers in food and agriculture that traditionally have not been available to them," stated USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. "The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to support our HSI partners in these efforts to provide hands-on experience and training for students. These partnerships will ensure that students continue to have the opportunities they need to have fruitful careers."
Despite a growing number of job opportunities in sectors such as food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences, the Hispanic population remains underrepresented in college enrollment and the STEM workforce. Research from Texas State University indicates that while Hispanic students make up 21% of enrolled college students in the U.S., they earn only 17% of bachelor's degrees, 13% of master's degrees, and 9% of doctoral degrees conferred. Additionally, they constitute just 8% of the STEM workforce.
Projects funded through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Hispanic-serving Institutions Education Grants Program aim to attract underrepresented groups into these fields. The projects are designed not only to prepare students for relevant careers but also to improve postsecondary instruction within these disciplines.
"As one of the key programs in USDA NIFA’s grant portfolio to build the next generation agricultural workforce and leaders, these projects will help build capacity at our nation’s Hispanic-serving Institutions," said NIFA Director Dr. Manjit Misra. "Capacity building across U.S. universities is vital to ensuring students preparing for careers in agriculture represent the nation’s diverse population so our food system includes everyone."
The USDA has funded 21 projects across ten states. Notable initiatives include a collaboration between the University of New Mexico-Taos and New Mexico Highlands University aimed at connecting communities with natural resource management professions through experiential education; a project at Metropolitan State University of Denver focusing on developing minority leaders within nutrition and dietetics; and an effort by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley addressing misconceptions about agricultural careers among first-generation Hispanic students.
NIFA's broader mission involves nurturing innovation within food and agricultural sciences while promoting equitable change nationwide. In fiscal year 2023 alone, NIFA's scientific investments totaled $2.5 billion.
Through its Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), USDA supports HSIs throughout the year via its HSI National Program which places liaisons on campuses nationwide including locations like Fresno, California; Chicago, Illinois; Edinburg, Texas; New York City; Miami; Las Cruces, New Mexico; Yakima, Washington among others.
Under President Biden's administration, USDA is committed towards transforming America’s food system with an emphasis on local production resilience alongside equity-focused departmental reforms.
