HACU-member institutions receive USDA grants to improve agricultural science education

Nearly 20 Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) member institutions were named recipients of U.S. Department of Agriculture grants on Oct. 21 to support agricultural science education at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).

Colleges and universities that received the award will use the funding to support the future workforce need of educated and able food and agriculture sector professionals through programs that serve underrepresented students, according to a press release from the USDA.

“The Hispanic population in the United States is growing, as is interest and emphasis on research, education, and extension services in higher education across the country,” said Sonny Ramaswamy, National Institute of Food and Agriculture director. “Programs at Hispanic-Serving Institutions that focus on climate change and variability, food safety and security, water, childhood obesity and sustainable bioenergy create opportunities to train and educate these students, allowing them to excel in higher education and in the workforce.”

The following institutions are grant recipients. Highlighted institutions are also HACU members.

• Central Arizona College, Coolidge, Ariz., $274,692
• Pima Community College, Tucson, Ariz., $274,997
• Arizona Western College, Yuma, Ariz., $250,000
• University of California, Riverside, Calif., $249,963
• California State University, San Bernardino, Calif., $500,000
• Florida International University, Miami, Fla., $250,000
• Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, Ill., $275,000
• University of Illinois, Chicago, Ill., $275,000
• New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, N.M., $500,000
• Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, N.M., $249,980
• The City College of the City University of New York, New York, N.Y., $274,996
• Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico, $275,000
• University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, $274,435
• St. Edward’s University, Austin, Texas, $275,000
• Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, Texas, $52,344
• University of Texas, Edinburg, Texas, $250,000
• University of Texas, Edinburg, Texas, $500,000
• University of Texas, El Paso, Texas, $500,000
• University of Houston, Houston, Texas, $248,116
• University of Houston, Houston, Texas, $250,000
• University of Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, $249,997
• University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas, $250,000
• Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, $250,000
• Texas Lutheran University, Seguin, Texas, $274,790
• Heritage University, Toppenish, Wash., $270,000