Latest news with #NIFA
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Penn State environmental program receives state award
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A Penn State program is one of 19 projects that have been granted the 2025 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence. The projects were evaluated on their degree of environmental protection, innovation, partnership, economic impact, consideration of climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice, as well as outcomes achieved. SCASD to pay $150k to settle discrimination lawsuit Penn State's Center for Science and the Schools AG Seed-Lings program was one of the awardees. The program is a K-5 educational program funded by a USDA NIFA K-14 grant. It works to teach students about pollination, pollinators and their impact on food security. The program's curriculum consists of 19 STEELS-aligned lessons provided in both English and Spanish. Last year, the program was implemented in 42 school districts and reached over 1,700 students. 'The Environmental Excellence honorees embody the innovative thinking needed to protect our environment and shape a more sustainable future here in Pennsylvania,' Department of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley said. 'Together, we will spur the next generation of environmental stewards. These projects showcase our ability to work collaboratively to preserve and protect Pennsylvania's natural resources.' You can read about the other 18 projects and what they're doing for their community on the Department of Environmental Protection website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
25-04-2025
- Science
- USA Today
Closer to Home: HSI grant funds urban sustainable agriculture and ecosystem science
Closer to Home: HSI grant funds urban sustainable agriculture and ecosystem science Seeking more resources for her students, Arizona State University (ASU) professor Heather Bateman submitted an application for the Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) 2024 Education Grants Program of the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Creativity and innovation are essential in food and agricultural sciences education, and the grant program delivers that, Irma Lawrence, national program leader for NIFA's Division of Community and Education says. Bateman's proposal, 'Growing Gardens, Growing Minds: Experiential Learning in Urban Sustainable Agriculture and Ecosystem Science,' resulted in a grant of almost $400,000 as one of 21 projects awarded across 10 states. Other awarded institutions include Texas A&M University, Metropolitan State University of Denver and the University of New Mexico. Approximately 600 HSIs represent about 5 million students, Lawrence says. 'The need for food increases as the global population increases,' she says. 'We need more students to be involved and trained as professionals in food, agriculture, natural resources and nutrition sciences by offering classes where there weren't any.' Hands-On Work Bateman is a senior sustainability scientist and professor in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State's nearly 10,000-student Polytechnic campus in Mesa, Ariz. Her grant application noted that urban and exurban areas are the fastest-growing ecosystems on Earth. 'Building sustainable agriculture systems to support these populations will require a workforce skilled in innovation and critical thinking to build equitable solutions,' she wrote. Bateman relishes mentoring students to achieve those goals. 'I watch them mature and develop as scientists as they work in open spaces outside,' she says. 'They ask questions about reducing water use, and about how to grow native plants that are good for hummingbirds, bees and for our food supply and well-being.' Under the grant, students participate in experiential learning in biology, agriculture, natural resources and social-ecological systems from first year to graduate level. The grant program will include underrepresented students conducting research with faculty mentors. 'This program will leverage garden and greenhouse facilities and campus partnerships,' Bateman says. Learning What Plants Do Most of the grant funding will support the Polytechnic campus, which has established raised garden beds and will create indoor vertical gardens. At ASU's 3,500-student West Valley campus in Glendale, Ariz., Ken Sweat, a teaching professor at the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences in its School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, is also excited about the possibilities. 'Each part of the grant is uniquely crafted to meet needs and requirements of both campuses,' he says. 'We've wanted a garden at this campus for 20 years and planted our first few raised beds in September 2020 on a shoestring budget. Learning 'what plants do' in a garden teaches things students can't quantify on paper.' A fall 2024 ceremony celebrated the formal opening of the garden, says Rae Stusen, an ASU West Valley environmental science major who helped lead funding and research for the gardens. Stusen and fellow supporters wrote the proposal that initially established the four-bed garden. 'Our group meets to discuss watering schedules, maintenance, inventory and characteristics of the plants,' Stusen says. The new grant will allow for more garden beds, along with hosed plumbing for watering. With a nod to Indigenous science, Sweat says principles of holistic and ancient Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in India and is also practiced in many Latin American countries, will be utilized in teaching, including the use of products mainly derived from plants. One project under consideration: 'Looking at the full life cycle of a plant such as holy basil (kapoor tulsi), we'll ask, 'Can you actually grow it and harvest enough seeds so that you do not need to buy more to start the next crop?'' This spring, Stusen and team plan to grow 'the Three Sisters' — corn, squash and beans — an ancient planting system used by some Native American communities because the crops work in harmony to help each other thrive and are considered to be physical and spiritual sustainers of life. 'We want to educate others about farming practices prior to the establishment of ASU,' Stusen says. 'We'll grow peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, mustard greens, radishes and carrots, and not just for students. When we have higher yield, we'll reach out to surrounding residents in need.' Lawrence hopes the grants 'inspire more people to get engaged, and to be more productive and intentional about the way we produce food.' 'We're planting seeds of knowledge and nurturing minds to flourish and grow,' she says.
CBS News
04-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Black Texas Farmers' group reserved, waiting for cash crop from Trump's tariffs
P. Wade Ross leads a group of Black farmers and ranchers who are used to losing some---and, then, losing some. Now, they are hoping for a win. The Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers Community-Based Organization said most Texas Black farmers still struggle to make a cash crop in the state's $868 billion agriculture economy. "I don't know one black farmer who's growing any cash crops," Ross said. "And I know very few who are even able to, you know, take some of the things they know with growing their garden and monetizing for their land. And we're losing our land hand over fist." Ross is a fourth-generation farmer who runs an organization tasked with trying to help fix layers of historic setbacks and complications, like creating a roadmap to the market, educating farmers on the soil, and fundraising (grants and private donations). The farmers are starting to see the impact of Executive orders from President Donald Trump's desk slashing funds connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion from federal agencies. "NIFA, USDA, I got a call from the Federal Disaster Assistance," he said. Ross said he also started getting cancellations from the Environmental Protection Agency Program attached to supporting partnerships from Texas A&M and Texas Southern University. In a statement to CBS News Texas, the Environmental Protection Agency says, "...The agency is reviewing its grant funding to ensure it is appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and to understand how those programs align with Administration priorities." The USDA said some payments have been on hold as it reviews goals, alignments, and priorities. "Me and my friends that raise hogs we call ourselves swinesmen," Ray Stripland said. The 54-year-old has farming in his lineage. But he was not trying to enhance his roots when he started pig farming in Midlothian. The United States Navy Veteran used the muddy grunts of the hogs to escape his PTSD. It also became profitable. "It is. It really is. For a part-time job, it is," Stripland said. He raises hogs and two breeds of dogs and grows vegetables and fruit trees. What Stripland has not increased is hope for government assistance. "It's really me getting up is the success of my farm, getting it done. So that's how I look at it," he said. Jamesha Jones feels the same way about her southern Dallas farm. It's across the street from UNT Dallas. "But this is right in the middle of a quote-unquote underserved community," Jones said. "Like a hidden little gem." Jones purchased the 11 acres and freshwater spring. She is developing the property into a subscription-based urban garden that sends products to nearby Miss Eddies. "It's not the easiest work at all, but every morning I get up off my back pockets and I come out here and make something straight to be able to eat on a large scale," Jones said. The project is about community. The 36-year-old is more dependent on the community than trying to get grants. Jones said it's how she will grow, and she plans to plant the seed of growth first. "We shouldn't have to worry about anything if we know how to grow or know a farmer personally. Everybody should know a farmer. Everybody should know a farmer," Jones said. All the farmers watch their books, but Ross gets a different perspective because of his leadership role. He is monitoring the tariffs the president levied against foreign countries--their formidable competition. "It could be good news. It could be an avenue that says, hey, you know, it's our time," he said. "Our ship has come in because now there may be some opportunities that otherwise were simply not there for us as farmers here in Texas."
Bloomberg
07-02-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), MTC and Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA) Launch Namibia's First Bloomberg Finance Lab
Windhoek – The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), in collaboration with Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA), has announced the opening of Namibia's first Bloomberg Finance Lab at the University's High-Tech Transfer Plaza Select (HTTPS). Set to open in February 2025, the lab is a significant step towards enhancing financial literacy, professional training, and investment skills development across Namibia. Equipped with 12 Bloomberg Terminals, the lab positions NUST alongside more than 1,000 academic institutions worldwide that integrate this leading technology into their curriculum. The Bloomberg Terminal provides real-time and historical data, analytics, market-moving news, and electronic trading tools, enabling users to make informed investment decisions and connect securely with a global professional network. Professor Erold Naomab, Vice Chancellor at NUST said, 'At NUST, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of financial professionals. Our collaboration with Bloomberg, NIFA and MTC, allows us to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world financial applications, enhancing our students' career prospects and boosting Namibia's global competitiveness.' 'As Namibia's leading digital solutions and connectivity provider, we believe in leveraging technology to drive sustainable growth. The Bloomberg Finance Lab exemplifies our commitment to innovation and collaboration to position the country at the forefront of digital transformation in finance,' added Dr Licky Erastus, Managing Director at MTC. The Bloomberg Finance Lab is a cornerstone of the partners' shared commitment to Namibia's Vision 2030 and other national strategies emphasizing human capital development, high-quality job creation, and economic growth through innovation. Specifically, the lab will provide: Upskilling and Reskilling: Offering globally recognized certifications and hands-on financial training for students, professionals, and government agencies. Drive Economic Development: Creating a pipeline of industry-ready graduates who can contribute to Namibia's burgeoning financial sector. Promote Research and Innovation: Equipping academics and researchers with state-of-the-art tools to conduct data-driven research and generate policy insights. 'NIFA was founded to cultivate world-class financial capabilities in Namibia. By making professional training and certifications more accessible, we ensure that our workforce and industry professionals acquire the global competencies required to excel in today's fast-paced markets. Our partnership with NUST and MTC underscores our commitment to elevating financial education in the country. The Bloomberg Finance Lab serves as a gateway for Namibians to access advanced financial tools and globally recognized certifications—empowering them to compete and succeed on the international stage,' said Arinze Okafor, Founder and CEO of NIFA. The Bloomberg Finance Lab will help undergraduate and graduate students build the skills needed for a career in finance. Students will have access to e-learning certification courses, including the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) course. Undergraduate and Master's program students will also receive training on the use of the Bloomberg Terminal, and take courses on investment, risk and portfolio management. The lab will also be accessible to the university's academic community to conduct research projects. Giuseppe Netti, Head of Middle East & Africa Sales, Bloomberg, said: 'We are delighted to work with NUST in launching Namibia's first Bloomberg Finance Lab. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower students, academics, and professionals with access to the same tools and insights relied upon by the world's leading business and finance professionals. The lab will not only equip students with critical skills for their future careers, but also foster research and innovation to drive the growth of Namibia's financial ecosystem'. About Bloomberg Bloomberg is a global leader in business and financial information, delivering trusted data, news, and insights that bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to markets. The company helps connect influential communities across the global financial ecosystem via reliable technology solutions that enable our customers to make more informed decisions and foster better collaboration. For more information, visit or request a demo. Media Contacts MEA, Mona Saleh, msaleh39@ Valerie Garises, vgarises@
