Document Actions
REYAP students discover opportunities at OSU
STILLWATER, Okla. – The REYAP Agriculture Science and Technology Institute hosted 47 teenagers from across the state June 24 – 27 at Oklahoma State University.
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 minority students.
“Bringing the students to OSU provides them an opportunity to live the campus life, gain classroom experience, introduce college careers 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.
“Our program focuses on leadership, citizenship, economic development and scholarship,” she said. “The goal is for our students take home a sense of direction and opportunity from this experience.”
REYAP’s 2009 teenage students participated in hands-on, interactive scientific experiences in the food and nutritional science; entomology; biosystems and agricultural engineering; and plant pathology. Students also took part in an oral and poster presentations to provide an opportunity for students to gain experience and exposure before an audience, while highlighting the research they learned about. They also had a tour of the Cimarron Valley Research Station in Perkins.
Christine Williams joined REYAP in 2004 and has been a part of the experience ever since.
“REYAP has allowed me to discover that agriculture is a vast subject and involves many areas,” Williams said. “I believe the program has helped me conduct myself in a professional manner.”
Qumitri Anderson, a senior at Ardmore High School, has attended REYAP for three summers and enjoys the experience every year and likes learning about being a leader.
“I really got out of my comfort zone when I got up and presented my oral presentation,” Anderson said. “Speaking in front of people helped me to get my confidence up. I hope to take the leadership and citizenship skills I learned back to my high school.”
Schuyler Carter, a senior at Muskogee High School, said she had never competed in a speaking competition before and was proud of her performance.
“Putting together my presentation and presenting it for competition was a neat experience and I’m glad I had that opportunity,” Carter said. “I also enjoyed the parts of REYAP from the different speakers to meeting new friends.”
Combs said the sponsors are greatly appreciated in making this Institute possible. They include, EPSCoRE and the OSU Division of Institutional Diversity. In addition with the assistance of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; Agriculture Education, Communication and Leadership; Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Entomology and Plant Pathology; Nutritional Sciences; and 4-H Youth Development for their assistance in making this program a success.
###
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
Katie L. Reim
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-6792 (Phone)
405-744-5739 (Fax)
katie.reim@okstate.edu
