Southern University and A&M College
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SU Ag Center Partners in Military Community, Family and Youth Extension Project

BATON ROUGE, LA, 5/20/2011 - The USDA/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded a grant to Purdue University as the prime recipient. Purdue sub-contracted to Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center who extended sub-awards to Mississippi State University, Louisiana State University, and Alcorn State University.

The project entitled MISS-LOU: Connecting Kids and Community, Military Families Initiative is designed to meet the needs of military and non-military communities. This project will strengthen the partnership between 1862 and 1890 institutions. The partnership involves two 1862 institutions - Mississippi State University, and LSU, and two 1890 institutions - Alcorn State University and Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

The overall vision is to establish a comprehensive program that will educate and strengthen the lives of youth in military families by connecting them to available resources and community support on a continual basis.

Each university is using the community or victory garden concept to support out-of-school time programs for youth; specifically youth that have parents/guardians in the Military National Guard and Reserve. Participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and hands-on experience through the use of innovative strategies that encourage participation. Activities will also enhance and expand family relationships, community service, character development, health and well being, and career/workforce readiness skills development. In Louisiana, local community groups in Zachary will support the mentoring component of this project; groups include the Zachary Men's Club and AARP.

The SU Ag Center is excited to host the 8-week summer component of the program. For more information, contact Tiffany Franklin at: 225/771-2775 or Stephanie Elwood at: 225/771- 2134.

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Leodrey Williams, Chancellor; Gina E. Eubanks, Vice Chancellor of Extension; Tiffany Franklin, Project Coordinator; Stephanie Elwood, Extension Associate/Community Gardener.

###