Technology advances are a key to success in addressing 21st century challenges. NIFA programs support youth to build understanding and skills in STEM, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), preparing them to meet workforce needs.
Through curriculum innovation, teacher training, and experiential learning projects, NIFA grantees are preparing the next generation of professionals and leaders to use and develop advanced technology in precision agriculture, machine learning, data science, and other agri-STEM fields.
Expanding Workforce Training Using Precision Agriculture Technologies
In 2021, NIFA awarded $500,000 to the University of Hawaii to advance workforce training using precision agriculture technologies in aquaponics systems. Funded through the AFRI Agricultural Workforce Training (AWT) program, the project provided apprenticeships, online courses and community workshops to integrate aquaponics precision farming systems, blending use of data collection sensors, AI and machine learning technologies. Participating students improved skills in data analytics, data integration and agricultural remote monitoring systems to attain an Energy Efficiency Lab Certificate, making them more competitive and qualified candidates for agri-STEM careers.
The AWT priority area, part of the AFRI Education and Workforce Development Program, seeks to develop a workforce prepared with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue industry jobs. Through the development or expansion of training programs at community, junior and technical colleges, AWT expands job-based learning opportunities and acquisition of industry-accepted credentials.
Enhancing Food Industry Education
In 2024, NIFA awarded $280,307 to Kansas State University to address the growing demands for a food industry workforce skilled in smart technology. Funded through the Higher Education Challenge (HEC) program, this project aims to develop an innovative curriculum to enhance knowledge and understanding of AI and robotics in the food sector; introduce instructional materials into food studies courses at two Land-grant Universities; and advance faculty teaching competence through educational resources.
The HEC program provides funding to colleges and universities to strengthen institutional capacities and improve student recruitment and retention, ensuring a competent and qualified workforce will exist to serve the food and agricultural sciences system. HEC projects respond to identified educational needs at state, regional, and national scales in food and agriculture sciences, as well as rural economic, community, and business development.
Providing Hands-On Learning for Youth
In 2024, NIFA awarded $749,873 to Colorado State University to train youth in agriculture technology. Funded by the AFRI Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education (FANE) program, the project is teaching high school students in Colorado and Nebraska how to use Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors, robotics, automation and biotechnology. An estimated 600 students are expected to earn micro-credentials over three years, with several thousand youth learning about advanced technology and career opportunities through community outreach.
The FANE priority area, part of the AFRI Education and Workforce Development Program, provides non-formal education experiential learning for students to gain applicable skills, fostering the development of technologically-savvy youth. FANE projects adopt and develop curriculum and activities to cultivate interest and competencies in STEM.
Advancing AI Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development
With support from USDA-NIFA and the National Science Foundation, the University of California, Davis established the Artificial Intelligence Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS) to advance AI technologies for a sustainable food system and to train the next generation of food producers and distributors. AIFS is broadening participation, collaboration, and transfer of knowledge through education, outreach, and training. One example is the Career Exploration Fellowship Program, which pairs undergraduates with labs, companies, and nonprofits organizations during the academic year to prepare them for agri-STEM careers. AIFS also hosts a summer professional development program for high school agriculture teachers focused on integrating drone technology into classroom instruction.
In 2024, AIFS welcomed faculty and students from Tennessee State University AC4AI project, supported by the 1890 Institution Teaching, Research, and Extension Capacity Building Grants (1890 CBG) program. During their visit, representatives from Tennessee State University, Delaware State University, New Mexico State University, and Fort Valley State University engaged with AIFS leaders and learned about AIFS programs and research, building and strengthening collaborative programs in AI and agriculture.