2006 Annual Report for LNC03-229
Experiential Learning Opportunities for Graduate and Undergraduate Students
Summary
Student internships in sustainable agriculture provide educational opportunities for experimental learning that deepen students’ appreciation for the complexity of sustainability challenges and the need for broad-based solutions. Each student that completes an internship also contributes to the “What’s Up in Sustainable Agriculture” weekly seminar series which broadens the exposure to more students, faculty and staff as well as others for the variety of experiences and innovations that are going on within the realm of sustainable agriculture.
Objectives/Performance Targets
1. Twelve students will work with faculty advisors and community-based internship hosts on collaborative learning opportunities over three years.
2. Students will present their internship experiences in the weekly meetings of a campus-based learning community consisting of students, faculty and staff (average 30 participants/ week). The seminar series is known as, “What’s Up in Sustainable Agriculture."
3. The steering community will take part in developing evaluation and reflection tools for internships and WUSA seminars.
Accomplishments/Milestones
Marilyn Johnson
$2500
Spring 2006
CSA Farm Inventory
Land Stewardship Project
Peter Hinck
$2000
Spring 2006
Blue Earth River Basin Initiative
Rural Advantage
January 25, 2006
Rachael Dettman: Organic Certification: Insights from a Summer Intern
November 29, 2006
Marilyn Johnson: Community, Cover crops and Compost
Megan Keefe
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
This grant has allowed students to receive compensation for their work with community based organizations and farms that would have been difficult for the host to provide. Students have also provided hosts with completion of work and projects that otherwise may not have been accomplished. Students have completed internships and graduated with the sustainable agriculture systems minor. Through presenting seminars students have exposed others within the university to innovations and projects in sustainable agriculture.