Southern University Introduces Youth to Ag Through BAYOU Program

BATON ROUGE – Thirty-eight participants in the Beginning Agricultural Youth Opportunities Unlimited (BAYOU) program arrived from Louisiana, Texas, California and Tennessee on June 5, for a five-week summer experiential learning program with the SU Land-Grant Campus family. During their stay on campus, they will learn how to conduct research with faculty members in Apparel Merchandising, Human Nutrition, Child Development, Plant & Soil Sciences, Animal Science, and Urban Forestry among other activities.

During his welcome address, Dr. Bobby R. Phills, Chancellor-Dean of the SU Land-Grant Campus, emphasized the importance of parents letting their children spread their wings and encouraged the youth to being willing to thrive.

To the parents, “if you will allow us, we will take care of your children, and you will see the difference in five weeks,” said Dr. Phills. And to the students, “you can go as far as you want in life if you let us guide you,” he added.

The calendar of activities for the BAYOU students looks full and exciting with research activities, tours and trips.

The BAYOU program provides an opportunity for high school seniors and incoming college freshman to gain first-hand knowledge about career opportunities in Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, Business or the natural sciences.

To qualify, students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and have completed 11th grade. The students’ live in the dormitories on the Southern University Baton Rouge campus and are permitted to go home on the weekends.

For additional information about the BAYOU program, contact Allison Johnson at 225-771-3660, 318-572-8338 or via e-mail at allison.johnson@osec.usda.gov.