The MEA Program prepares undergraduate Agriculture students at Prairie View A&M University and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff for the workforce and graduate school. Our goal is to prepare students to address the underrepresentation of minorities and other limited resource individuals in the field of Agriculture. To achieve this goal, MEA Program students will be afforded opportunities for early exposure to agricultural ecosystems and workforce-ready skill development.

Studies have shown engagement outside of the classroom as undergraduates is critical to the success and matriculation of undergraduate students. Student engagement is considered a “career rehearsal,” a taste of what a career would be like and provides an edge in applying to graduate schools and jobs. In many instances, graduate schools or the workforce expect the students to have involvement in professional development-type activities.

Professional Development Workshops for portfolio and resume development, internship applications, graduate school applications, mock interviews, oral presentations, and etiquette workshops

Leadership Development by engaging in leadership development sessions with Agriculture executive leadership teams at both PVAMU and UAPB

Cross-training activities between PVAMU and UAPB by providing an opportunity for students at PVAMU to learn about aquaculture/fisheries] the connection between climate change, soil health, and specialty crops at UAPB. Students and both institutions will present class projects related to their cross-training.