Animal Sciences Youth Leadership Academy – May 29 – June 1

High school students participated in a four-day program focused on increasing their knowledge of Missouri’s diverse and dynamic livestock industry in addition to building their communication and leadership skills. Students gave presentations over issues in animal agriculture, toured University farms, and conducted hands-on animal sciences activities.

“This was my third time going through the academy as a student and then as a mentor,” said Dakoda Eisenbath, sophomore animal sciences major. “It has been eye opening as I’ve grown to see how much the experience  has helped me grow as a mentor and a student. The academy introduces students to many different career opportunities within the industry and opens doors for connections with not only leaders, but peers too. I truly love working with the kids on their projects and encouraging them to think outside of the box about issues in animal agriculture. I think it is important to get them thinking about how the industry is changing in a way that will impact their lives directly. ASYLA does a great job at exposing them to the university’s involvement in agriculture as well as how surrounding cities in Missouri help to pursue animal ag. There have been students from my class and the following that have chosen Mizzou and it is honestly one of the best feelings knowing I met them through ASYLA and will continue to pursue careers within the same field.”

Plant Sciences Discovery Day – June 17

In a one-day event, high school students from across the state experienced hands-on plant science and technology and agricultural systems technology activities, met the program faculty, and interacted with current students. The students visited greenhouses, Tiger Garden, research labs, and field plots.

“Having the opportunity to share my passion regarding plant science and ag systems technology with future Tigers was extremely rewarding,” said Haley Hunsel, senior plant sciences student. “It reminded me of how FFA was a huge motivator in my decision to choose this major and helped me connect with some of the students since they were also involved in FFA and contest teams. We had a lot fun exploring all the different aspects of this field of agriculture and I even was able to learn about topics outside of my emphasis areas!”

Life Sciences Quest – July 7-11

Life Sciences Quest, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, allows high-ability high school students to explore many majors within CAFNR through hands-on experiences in biochemistry labs, nutrition labs and research farms, tours of various science and research industries, discussions of ethical issues in agriculture, education about human, animal and plant genetics, and opportunities to hear from scientists, researchers and professionals working in scientific fields.

Financial Planning Academy – July 7-12

Held in partnership with Texas Tech University and the Charles Schwab Foundation, this collaboration between CAFNR and the Trulaske College of Business invited rising sophomores, juniors and seniors to explore careers in personal financial planning through teamwork and personal development.

This camp prepares students to approach finances through their client’s personal lens, rather than just as a set of numbers. Students work in teams to develop and present a personal financial plan at the end of the week, after learning from industry experts and doing team building exercises.

High schoolers interested in agricultural education, leadership, and communication explored campus and heard from professionals from across the agricultural education industry, including FFA advisors, lobbyists, and communications specialists. Students also interacted with current students and faculty and learned about scholarships and graduation plans available at Mizzou AEL.