LEXINGTON, Ky. – “Without agriculture, you’re either naked or hungry.” That’s the message middle and high school students received at the 12th annual Junior MANRRS Leadership Institute.

The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment student chapter of the national honor society Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) hosted over 100 high and middle school students from throughout the commonwealth at the annual event.

“We host the annual program to expose 7-12th grade students to the college, programs and mentorship with our collegiate MANRRS members,” said Antomia Farrell, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Students received an immersive experience during the two-day event. Participants learned how agriculture touches every part of life and discovered the excitement of academic excellence, leadership, technical development and teamwork.

“The program has been a recruitment tool for the college and a safe space for students who didn’t know they had a place within the college, let alone the ag sector,” Farrell said. “We have had 31 students to date who’ve joined UK Martin-Gatton CAFE due to the sense of belonging Jr. MANRRS created for them.”

Lexington’s Tates Creek Middle School Jr. MANNRS was represented by 38 students, the largest participating group. For their adviser and agriculture teacher, Dallas Cooks, the weekend event was a perfect place for students to connect with peers and focus on their future.

“I think agriculture is a place where we can create community,” Cooks said. “Food brings people together and I think it’s important to know agriculture is the space where we can come together and work together to make things happen to sustain our society.”

For more information, visit https://diversity.ca.uky.edu/programs/uk-junior-manrrs-program.