‘Changing the face of agriculture’: UK to host 2024 Junior MANRRS Leadership Institute
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 25, 2024) — The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) Office of Access, Community and Engagement (ACE) welcomes all Kentucky students in grades 7-12 to the 13th annual Junior MANRRS Leadership Institute.
Set for Dec. 6-7 and themed “I Am Because You Are,” this event aims to inspire students towards a career in science, technology, engineering, agriculture or mathematics fields. The UK Junior MANRRS program encourages young students to attend college and pursue degrees in agriculture, natural resources and environmental sciences.
“The Junior MANRRS Leadership Institute offers middle and high school scholars a unique opportunity to explore the University of Kentucky and the wider agriculture industry,” said Kendriana Price, assistant dean for community relations and engagement at Martin-Gatton CAFE. “We’re excited to welcome these young minds for a weekend of exploration, connection and community building as we change the face of agriculture by linking hands around the world.”
By attending, Kentucky middle school and high school students can:
- Gain exposure to prominent brands in the agriculture industry.
- Connect with local minority-owned businesses.
- Participate in professional and academic workshops.
- Engage in small-group networking sessions.
- Build relationships with other students.
- Network with UK staff and faculty.
- Engage with academic departments at UK Martin-Gatton CAFE.
In addition, interested youth can participate in several contests, including a quiz bowl, written essay, mock interview, impromptu speaking and public speaking. The full event agenda, including contest registration, can be found here.
Since Junior MANRRS Leadership Institute’s inception, more than 30 students have pursued their interest in science, technology, engineering, agriculture or mathematics — declaring majors in agriculture, natural resources or environmental sciences degrees at Martin-Gatton CAFE.
“MANRRS is more than just an organization, it’s a family that lifts each other,” said Myka Smith-Jackson, UK MANRRS/Junior MANRRS chair. “I hope participants walk away from this year's event knowing that no matter where your college journey takes you, the MANRRS family will be there to support you every step of the way.”
Registration is now open for youth participants, chapter advisors, extension agents, UK MANRRS members, sponsors and volunteers. There is a $10 registration fee, which can be paid in person during the conference or by sending a check payable to MANRRS, attention of Kendriana Price, 305 Charles E. Barnhard Building, Lexington, KY 40546.
For more information and to register, visit https://ace.ca.uky.edu/events/uk-junior-manrrs-leadership-institute. Registration deadline is Nov. 15, and the contest submission deadline is Nov. 22.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.