By Andi Anderson
Four miles west of Purdue University’s main campus, a group of high schoolers are exploring the John S. Wright Forestry Center.
These students are part of the Cargill-Purdue Agribusiness Science Academy (C-PASA), a program that allows high schoolers to spend two weeks on and near Purdue’s campus, discovering the diverse educational opportunities offered by the College of Agriculture.
“C-PASA provides high school students with an early opportunity to see if Purdue University is the ‘right fit,’” said Zachary Brown, assistant director for student recruitment and retention in Purdue Agriculture’s Office of Multicultural Programs. “Many students find new, unexpected pathways or reconfirm their commitment to their beloved passions.”
The program offers two tracks: Plant and Environmental Sciences and Biological Sciences and Engineering, allowing students to explore various agricultural fields of study.
Courses cover topics such as forestry and natural resources (FNR), entomology, agronomy, horticultural and landscape architecture, biochemistry, agricultural and biological engineering, animal sciences, and agricultural sciences education and communication.
Lily, a high school student in the program, explained, “I think this program is really important for students in STEM because it opens your eyes to all of the different parts of STEM and agriculture.”
The plant and environmental sciences students met with Megan Gunn, a recruitment and outreach specialist for FNR and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.
Gunn led a fish dissection workshop to examine macroinvertebrates, or aquatic insects, which help determine the health of aquatic ecosystems. “These aquatic insects are indicators of water quality,” Gunn explained. “We're also going to go out and collect water samples. All of these different pieces tell us a different part of the story of how water is healthy.”
Students also spent time with ornithologist and wildlife professor Barny Dunning to observe researchers banding and releasing birds to assess their health status.
They learned about maintaining healthy terrestrial ecosystems and the processes scientists use to keep these ecosystems functioning. One popular activity was climbing trees in Martell Forest.
Grace, a high school sophomore from Illinois who started an FFA chapter at her high school, arrived interested in urban gardening. After her C-PASA experience, she left with a new interest in conservation methods. “My favorite thing I've learned so far is about the versatility of agriculture,” Grace said. “You don't have to just choose one thing.”
During a visit to the Purdue Student Farm, students learned about crop rotation, observed beehives, and toured the farm operations. Jane Pickey, a senior studying sustainable food and farming systems, mentored students as they explored the farm. “I really enjoy sharing what I know, especially with people who are curious,” Pickey said. “It's so fulfilling to both learn something and then to teach it in a way that gets people excited about what they're learning.”
Outside of coursework, students toured Syngenta and Cargill, Inc., and visited the Indianapolis Zoo and Fair Oaks Farms. At Fair Oaks, they explored milk production, learned about new farming technologies, and interacted with a cowbell-playing robot.
The camp also helped students cultivate friendships. “It’s great to see the students having fun with people from different backgrounds,” Brown said. “The majority of the participants will meet for the very first time at the program and will leave with friends that they stay in contact with afterward.”
The C-PASA High School Camp will introduce students to agricultural research, education, and career opportunities again next summer during its 2025 session.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Education