OSU helps state teenagers REYAP benefits of agriculture

The Retired Educators for Youth Agricultural Programs is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 to promote opportunities in the field of agriculture to and for culturally diverse youth.

“I’ve been working with REYAP for six years,” said LaDonna McCowan, OSU Cooperative Extension assistant specialist for environmental programs. “When Dr. Whitson came on board in 2005, he understood the value of REYAP and fully supports its efforts. It makes it a lot easier when you have this type of encouragement.”

Whitson is vice president, dean and director of the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (DASNR), which is comprised of the college and two statewide organizations: the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

“Bringing the kids to OSU provides an opportunity for students to live the campus life and learn about (the value and importance of) agriculture science research,” said Rita Combs, REYAP executive director.

Combs said students gain an appreciation for agricultural sciences and technology, and also gain an understanding about how agriculture is extremely diversified and more than farming.

Every REYAP student is required to complete a project, chosen by them from the academic and career disciplines in which they are interested.

“The REYAP students work on their projects throughout the year,” McCowan said. “OSU faculty and graduate students who are assisting with REYAP are available to answer questions. This arrangement promotes a year-long connection between the university and the students.”

Combs said DASNR faculty have been “awesome, and have been overwhelming in their response with their time, donations and services.”

“I really hope that students appreciate and understand what OSU is doing for them, and consider OSU as a choice (to further their own career aspirations),” Combs said.

REYAP’s 2007 teenage students participated in hands-on, interactive scientific experiences in the plant and soil sciences, meat processing and food safety, biochemistry and molecular biology, biosystems and agricultural engineering, and entomology and plant pathology career fields.

Additional insights were provided by up-close and personal tours of the veterinary teaching hospital, where students were shown both large and small animal care; the OSU Botanical Gardens and Arboretum’s Studio Gardens, where DASNR’s nationally recognized “Oklahoma Gardening” television program is produced; and OSU’s athletic facilities.

“I’m not around agriculture much and I’ve enjoyed everything,” said TeEra Harrison of Ardmore. “This is a neat experience. I came because I thought it might be fun.”

Melynadee Varner of Bristow said she enjoyed the hands-on learning experiences, especially the molecular biology laboratory where students used DNA to discover the paternal parentage of a steer.

“My project will focus on molecular biology; it’s a very interesting subject and I enjoy learning about DNA,” Varner said. “Everything is related to agriculture, and I like the environment at OSU.”

Steven Garrett of Oklahoma City said REYAP has helped him secure a summer internship with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which he enjoys immensely.

“I once thought of agriculture as only farming,” Garrett said. “Now I know there is a lot more to it than that. I’m interested in agriculture and would like a future in this career field.”

Garrett and Varner said REYAP provides participants with a wide-range of knowledge and skill-building opportunities, including creation of professional résumés, computer skills, PowerPoint and poster presentations, personal and group communication, and internships.

“REYAP believes that early introduction to agricultural education strongly influences subsequent career choices,” Combs said.

Whitson said hosting the institute is a unique opportunity for OSU and DASNR to show REYAP students what is available to them.

“We are very pleased to partner with REYAP and look forward to continuing to provide information and hands-on experiences to our state’s multicultural youth about the role of science in agriculture and agricultural-related career opportunities,” Whitson said.

Anyone interested in additional information about REYAP or its DASNR connection should contact McCowan at 405-744-7532 or Combs at 918-619-3111.

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REPORTERS/MEDIA CONTACTS:
Donald Stotts and Katie Reim
Agricultural Communications Services
143 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4079
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: donald.stotts@okstate.edu or katie.reim@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating.  Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.