By Blake Jackson
Kentucky State University welcomed 98 high school students from June 21-25, 2026, for the 2026 Youth Innovators Empowering Agriculture—Research and Extension Apprenticeship Program (YEA-REAP), an immersive residential camp designed to introduce participants to careers in agriculture, science, technology, and leadership.
Supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the program is part of the Youth Innovators Empowering Agriculture Across America initiative and is rooted in 4-H Youth Development.
Students from six 1890 land-grant universities—including Alcorn State, Fort Valley State, Kentucky State, Lincoln University, North Carolina A&T State, and Prairie View A&M—participated in the weeklong experience.
“Kentucky State was proud to welcome students from across the nation for a week of discovery, leadership, and applied learning,” said Dr. Tyrell Kahan, associate Extension administrator at Kentucky State.
“YEA-REAP helps students see agriculture as a broad and evolving field that includes science, technology, health, entrepreneurship, Extension, and service.”
Participants explored numerous university facilities, including the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, the Aquatic Research Center, and the Environmental Education and Research Center.
Hands-on activities covered animal and plant sciences, aquaculture, soil management, horticulture, GIS and drone technology, nutrition, aquaponics, pollinator research, environmental monitoring, and Kentucky State’s nationally recognized pawpaw research program.
Leadership development remained a key focus throughout the camp. Students participated in workshops, team-building exercises, a campus scavenger hunt, and a field trip to Louisville, where they visited Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana and the Muhammad Ali Center to gain additional career and leadership insights.
“This is the land-grant mission in action,” said Dr. Marcus Bernard, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and director of Kentucky State’s 1890 Land-Grant Program.
“Students were able to work directly with researchers and Extension professionals while seeing how agriculture connects to innovation, workforce development, and community needs.”
The program concluded with a farm-to-table cookout, student reflections, and a pinning ceremony at Benson Farm.
“This camp is more than a summer experience,” Dr. Kahan said. “It gives students a chance to imagine themselves as future scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, Extension leaders, and problem-solvers.”
Photo Credit: kentucky-state-university
Categories: Kentucky, Education, General