WSU’s MANRRS Works To Impact Farming Now And Into The Future

As it looks to enter it’s fourth year on the Washington State University campus, WSU's MANRRS, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences program, continues to look at changing the face of agriculture. MANRRS is a national, student-led society that aims to assist minorities in agricultural and similar disciplines through academic and professional advancement. According to WSU's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences nearly four in ten Americans are non-white, while only 7% of American farmers are a minority.

Director of Student Success Colette Casavant said MANRRS is helping WSU's minority students in Ag by having social events, inviting industry members to talk to students, and providing avenues for students to attend regional and national conferences. The program, she noted, also helps students find housing while one campus.

"In the short run, it's about the students' success in the classroom and eventual graduation. In the long run, it's in helping them feel prepared for leadership (roles) locally in the industry and then nationally."

The WSU MANRRS chapter recently received a $25,000 donation from Northwest Farm Credit Services to fund an endowment to support students through several scholarships.

"The student chapter may decide to take those funds as a scholarship for other students within their chapter. They may also decide to use some of the funds for attending a regional or national conference where they will receive professional development opportunities and connect with industries."

Casavant was also made the namesake for a new scholarship the chapter created using student-raised funds. To learn more about the MANRRS program at WSU, visit the organization's Facebook Page.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com