Why and general overview of program
- Climate change impacts cultural, economic, environmental, and social contexts (Djoudi et al., 2016), making climate change education increasingly important for learners across all fields to build scientific literacy, understanding of governmental processes, and develop personal and social agency (White et al., 2022). Climate education is especially relevant in agricultural courses to understand and address the systemic impacts of a changing climate on food and fiber systems (Malhi et al., 2021). Despite the growing importance and interest in climate change education, only 42% of teachers report incorporating climate into their instruction (Kamenetz, 2019) leading to student frustration by the lack of climate justice education in their formal classrooms compounded by the lack of action by policymakers (White et al., 2022). Because critical, justice-infused topics like climate are often left out of classroom discussions, youth are forced to rely on peer networks and social media to access information (Trott et al., 2023; Wallis & Loy, 2021). Cultivate Resilience is focused on integrating STEM with DEI through a culturally responsive curricula that centers climate resilience and the future of work (Figure 1). By helping learners develop agency and critical thinking skills, youth will be better equipped to make informed decisions, contribute to a climate resilient future, and pursue STEM careers in agriculture.
Figure 1. Cultivate Resilience is focused on integrating STEM with DEI.
- Introducing the topic of climate change in the context of agricultural systems can have a significant impact on real-world situations, especially when approached through a culturally sensitive lens to engage students from diverse backgrounds. As climate change and technological advancements continue to reshape the agriculture and food sectors, it is essential for these industries to attract and retain a diverse workforce with the necessary expertise and technical skills. Educators require adequate time, resources, and support to ensure effective instruction that prioritizes DEI principles. Cultivate Resilience aims to address educator needs by establishing an educator community of practice to co-create and deliver climate-resilient agriculture and natural resources education with a focus on the future of work through an equitable and inclusive lens.
The benefits to the teacher and the student
- The educator community of practice will address these challenges by co-creating educational resources and experiences that are:
- Culturally responsive: centering cultural humility is essential for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments to address manifestations of implicit biases.
- Climate resilience focused: access to high-quality STEM education and the opportunity to pursue tangible STEM employment opportunities to support understanding of climate change challenges and build agency in participating students will be embedded in the curriculum.
- Future of work cognizant: ensuring all interested parties from a variety of cultural perspectives and intersecting identities are included in creating the future of work and educational efforts to support learner participation in the future of work.
- Students:
- Cultivate Resilience high school students will be better prepared to face climate and future of work challenges after engaging with the curriculum and participating in the experiential learning activities outlined in Table 1.
- Cultivate Resilience high school students will be better prepared to face climate and future of work challenges after engaging with the curriculum and participating in the experiential learning activities outlined in Table 1.
Table 1.
| Educator Community of Practice | Experiential Learning for Students |
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What - Role of fellows
- Join an educator community of practice
- Develop culturally responsive climate resilience curriculum
- $5,000 stipend
- $300 of books and resources
- $250 for student field trips
