Middle and High School Students Explore Careers in STEM and Agriculture

Alabama A&M University recently welcomed 65 middle and high school students from across Alabama for the 2026 Alabama Jr. MANRRS Leadership Institute, an immersive leadership and career development program designed to inspire the next generation of leaders in agriculture, natural resources and STEM-related fields.

Hosted by the AAMU Morrison Chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), the institute brought together students in grades 6-12 from schools affiliated with Auburn University and Tuskegee University, Jones Valley Teaching Farm in Birmingham and schools in the Huntsville area. Approximately 10 chaperones and representatives from the MANRRS National Office in Atlanta also attended.

Founded in 1988, the AAMU Morrison MANRRS Chapter has served as a leader in preparing students for careers in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. The chapter currently includes 45 members and welcomes students from all academic majors.

MANRRS is a national organization dedicated to developing and empowering individuals in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences by nurturing potential, supporting unique journeys and connecting members with opportunities that inspire leadership and innovation. The Junior MANRRS Leadership Institute extends that mission by introducing middle and high school students to career pathways while strengthening leadership, communication and professional skills through hands-on learning and mentorship.

“This Institute represents an investment in developing the leadership, academic success and professional growth of the next generation of leaders in agriculture and natural resources,” said Dr. Armitra Jackson-Davis, Associate Professor in the Department of Food and Animal Sciences and Co-advisor of the AAMU Morrison MANRRS Chapter. “Junior MANRRS introduces students to opportunities in agriculture, food systems, environmental sciences and related fields while helping them build confidence, character and a strong sense of community.”

The Institute featured rotating workshops and interactive sessions focused on biological sciences, natural resources and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences, leadership development, professional identity, the college experience, dress for success, mentorship and networking. Students also participated in team-building activities designed to strengthen collaboration, communication and leadership skills.

Faculty members from the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences led many of the interactive STEM workshops, providing participants with firsthand exposure to research, academic programs and career opportunities available in agriculture and related disciplines.

The “Rotating Sessions: Explore. Discover. Innovate.” program allowed participants to explore academic disciplines and engage directly with Alabama A&M faculty and students. Biological sciences sessions were led by Dr. Lisa Dalrymple-McKitt and Jackson-Davis, along with graduate students in food safety and processing. Natural resources and environmental sciences sessions featured Dr. Elica Moss, Dr. Dedrick Davis and Dr. Kozma Naka, along with undergraduate and graduate students. Family and consumer sciences sessions were led by Dr. Kristian Hogans, Dr. Brittannie Chester and Dr. Brandan Wheeler, along with undergraduate students.

Through the hands-on sessions, participants gained exposure to research, academic programs, career pathways and learning opportunities across Alabama A&M’s agricultural and related disciplines.

The event marked the first time Alabama A&M University hosted the Alabama Jr. MANRRS Leadership Institute as an in-person campus experience. While the Institute rotates among Alabama A&M University, Auburn University and Tuskegee University, Alabama previously hosted only a virtual Institute in 2021.

Jackson-Davis said hosting the event provided an opportunity to showcase the University’s academic programs while strengthening partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations and industry leaders.

“This Institute allows us to introduce students to the many opportunities available through the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences while building relationships that support their educational and career aspirations,” said Jackson-Davis. “We are excited to help shape the next generation of leaders who will represent the future of agriculture, natural resources and related sciences.”

Students interested in the Alabama A&M University Morrison MANRRS Chapter or Junior MANRRS opportunities can learn more by visiting the AAMU Region III chapter page, which includes contact information for Dr. Jackson-Davis.