USDA: NIFA – Equity & Extenson

USDA NIFA Extension

The mission of the Extension grant is to build the leadership capacity of our students by serving as the leading institution of academic excellence, cultural and intellectual prominence, and holistic education that addresses the needs of indigenous communities.  Key components of the mission are its emphasis on lifelong learning, global climate change adaptation, economic growth and development, food production, health and agricultural literacy. In addition, there are gardening projects and landscape sustainability.  The target populations are youth and adults, tribal and local communities.

USDA NIFA Equity

The mission of the Equity grant is to develop student leaders as they conduct sustainability projects of their own choosing.  Experiential learning opportunities through this grant are open to all Haskell students, as each major course of study brings its own unique perspective and strengths to increasing sustainability on campus. The Equity program for 2025-2026 is targeted on land restoration, native garden restoration, seed banking, cultural gardening, workshops and extending partnerships. All the Equity programs are designed/developed/created to focus on the student and enhancing faculty development in their area of expertise through development of course curriculum and faculty 3research.

The current grant program, Food Deserts, Edible Landscapes and Healthier Choices in Kansas, focuses on the need for judicious choices of produce varieties, along with mentoring and culturally relevant agricultural education, thereby fostering on-going tribal programs addressing produce deserts on Indian reservations in the state of Kansas. The ultimate goal is to increase the availability of fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables on rural Indian reservations.

Some of the many opportunities USDA-NIFA Research Students will participate in or receive:

• Student participation in real-world, hands-on agricultural research emphasizing vegetable gardening with various plants, including heirlooms and hybrids.
• Paid student internships through the summer and into the fall harvest season.
• Possible enrollment in an established course, ENVS 480, Undergraduate Research, linking horticultural research and agricultural economics research.
• Partnership with Kansas State University assuring research methods are up-to-date and students are taught best agricultural practices.
• Collaboration with employees/students from Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Kickapoo Tribe and Kansas State University, in addition to Haskell students/faculty/staff.