Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Today, the College of Agriculture, Human and Environmental Sciences celebrated the conclusion of the 2026 BAYOU Summer Program with a special closing ceremony.

Throughout the program, rising high school seniors and incoming college freshmen explored career pathways in agriculture, human sciences, business, and the natural sciences through hands-on learning, campus experiences, industry visits, and research activities.

Congratulations to all participants, and best wishes as they continue their academic journeys!

The Southern University Ag Center and College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences summer camps are currently underway, providing valuable educational experiences for our youth. Our 2026 NourishEd K.I.D.S. Youth Summer Cooking Camp recently explored the science of fermentation through acid pickling, toured the demonstration garden, planted their own plants, and wrapped up the day in the kitchen baking homemade cookies.

Students are learning the importance of proper nutrition and healthy eating habits while gaining a deeper understanding of agriculture and where their food comes from. By connecting nutrition education with agricultural awareness, the camp encourages youth to make informed choices and appreciate the role agriculture plays in their everyday lives.

We look forward to continuing these impactful programs and fostering a new generation of informed, healthy, and agriculture-minded individuals!

Yesterday, we hosted another successful session of the Nonprofit 101 Series in partnership with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office, continuing our commitment to strengthening nonprofit capacity across Louisiana.

To date, we have engaged more than 100 participants, providing valuable information, resources, and hands-on technical assistance to individuals interested in starting, managing, and growing nonprofit organizations. Through this collaborative effort, participants have gained practical knowledge on nonprofit formation, compliance, governance, and organizational development.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office for their partnership and continued support in helping aspiring and existing nonprofit leaders navigate the process successfully.

If you have not yet participated, there is still time to join us! We encourage everyone interested in learning more about nonprofit development to register for our fourth and final Nonprofit 101 Lab/Workshop on June 24. This hands-on session will provide participants with an opportunity to receive individualized guidance and technical assistance.

Together, we are building stronger organizations and stronger communities throughout Louisiana.

The SU Ag’s Hip Hop to Gen Z Camp is well underway as participants dive into sound engineering, songwriting, filmmaking, dance, and disc jockeying, with each session led by industry experts while connecting to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Through hands-on learning, campers are developing new skills and exploring future career pathways!

The Southern University Ag Center is pleased to support the Mayor’s Youth Workforce Experience Program by hosting student interns this summer and providing experiential learning opportunities that bridge academic preparation and workforce development.

Through exposure to agriculture, youth development, nutrition, community outreach, and economic development, interns are gaining a broader understanding of the role public institutions play in addressing community needs and enhancing quality of life. The experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings while developing skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

By engaging in meaningful projects and learning alongside professionals, interns are strengthening their college and career readiness and gaining valuable insight into careers that contribute to the advancement of communities throughout Louisiana.

It’s Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month!

Mental health is an important part of overall well-being, yet many men face challenges in silence. This month, we encourage men to prioritize their mental health by practicing self-care, seeking support when needed, and having open conversations about their feelings and experiences.

Remember:

✅ Taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.
✅ Regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate rest can support emotional well-being.
✅ You are not alone—help and support are available.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a healthcare provider or call 988 for immediate support.
Together, we can break the stigma and create a culture where men feel empowered to prioritize their mental health. 💚

The SU Ag Center’s 4-H Youth Development Program recently provided a hands-on STEM learning experience focused on artificial intelligence, robotics, and agriculture. Facilitated by Dr. Rochelle Darville and Dr. Raquel Square Ayles, Associate Vice Chancellor for Extension and Outreach, students utilized LEGO SPIKE Essential robotics kits to design, build, and code robotic prototypes capable of addressing challenges such as crop inspection, pollution cleanup, flood response, farm supply delivery, and school garden maintenance.

As part of the experience, students examined the relationship between artificial intelligence and robotics while exploring how data, sensors, and coding can be applied to support decision-making and address agricultural and community challenges. Through collaborative problem-solving and engineering design, participants strengthened their understanding of emerging technologies and gained valuable exposure to their practical applications in agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.

Official Statement from the Southern University System on the Conclusion of the Regular Legislative Session

As the nation's only historically Black university system, the Southern University System extends its sincere appreciation to the Governor and the Louisiana Legislature for their continued support of higher education. We are grateful for the investments made to strengthen our five campuses, expand opportunities for students, enhance campus safety and advance workforce development initiatives that will benefit communities across our state.

We remain committed to working collaboratively with state leaders to ensure greater access, affordability and excellence at our institutions. We appreciate the progress achieved during this session and look forward to participating in the legislative studies, policy discussions, and strategic initiatives that will continue to shape the future of higher education in Louisiana.

Orlando F. McMeans, Ph.D.
Interim President
Southern University System

🌿💙 Healthy Body, Healthy Spirit Outreach Day in St. Mary Parish! 💙🌿

Last Friday, Ana Williams, Regional Immunization Health Educator, EXCITE Team, participated in the Healthy Body, Healthy Spirit Outreach Day at Greater St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church in St. Mary Parish.

Ana presented the “How to Talk to Your Doctor” lesson, equipping community members with tools to communicate effectively with healthcare providers and make informed health decisions.

The outreach day featured health screenings, physical activity sessions, food demonstrations, community resources, and support services aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.

Thank you to Greater St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, Super 1 Foods, and all community partners for helping make this event a success. Together, we are empowering communities through education, resources, and wellness outreach.

Interested in growing a successful garden? 🪏

Join us for the Warner Hall Farm Spring Field Day on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Greensburg, Louisiana! Learn practical gardening and farming techniques, connect with agricultural specialists and community partners, and explore successful crop production firsthand. Be sure to bring a lawn chair and comfortable walking shoes for the field tour!