A new program is paving the way for a more diverse and innovative future in food and agriculture. The initiative at UC Davis will invite eight scholars from first generation and underrepresented groups to take part in hands-on research, workshops and training to develop leadership skills, build inclusive communities and share their unique experiences with peers.

The Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fields grant program, funded by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, awarded a $200,000 grant to UC Davis to partner with Butte College, a community college located 80 miles north of UC Davis, to offer a summer research and mentorship experience.

Throughout the program, students will work closely with professors and graduate students on research projects related to plant sciences, viticulture and enology, food science, agricultural biotechnology and post-harvest biology. 

Sue Ebeler, program director and associate dean of Undergraduate Academic Programs for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said the goal is to help the next generation of agricultural leaders gain the skills and experience needed to tackle issues of climate change and sustainability.

“We are excited to partner with Butte College and to welcome their students to our UC Davis campus,” Ebeler said. “We hope the opportunity to participate in research and leadership opportunities will inspire students to explore diverse careers in food and agriculture and to share their experiences with the broader community at Butte College.”

Bridging research and local impact

The program will give students a taste of what it's like to live on campus and study at UC Davis, the nation’s top ranked agricultural school. Students will also meet with academic advisors, who will review their Butte College courses and support their preparation to potentially transfer to the university.

Students will work with a mentoring team led by Professors Diane Beckles with the Department of Plant Sciences and Beth Forrestel with the Department of Viticulture and Enology. Beckles said this program is about opening doors for students and providing support and resources to help them succeed in college and beyond.

“This is an opportunity to give students from rural towns and communities perhaps a chance to see agriculture in a very different way,” Beckles said.

Jennifer Charles-Tollerup, an instructor with the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Butte College, has seen how easily students can lose confidence in pursuing these paths. She believes this program can change that. By bringing together students with different backgrounds and interests to explore the many sides of agriculture, she hopes they’ll discover a field where they feel welcome and can picture a future in science.

“Education is transformative; that’s what we do, we transform lives,” she said. “We meet students where they’re at and help get them where they want to go. I’ve encountered many students who limit themselves from pursuing science, and I think this can change their life.”

Students will also participate in workshops to boost their leadership and communication skills. At the end of the summer, they’ll present their projects to their Butte College peers, families and community members. This chance to share their work with those closest to them brings their academic experiences full circle, showing how their research can lead to real-world improvements and inspire meaningful change.

“I am always amazed at how students’ minds expand when they experience what UC Davis has to offer,” Beckles said. “We’d love for the Butte College students to transfer to our college after their summer immersion. However, if all we can offer them is a new vision of the future of agriculture in California, and they share this knowledge with their communities, I think we would consider our program a success.”

Applications for the summer 2025 program will be available starting Jan. 15, 2025.