UTSA Leads New Coalition to Empower Underserved Students in Agriculture and Conservation through $935,000 USDA Grant

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has been announced as the chief beneficiary of a significant four-year grant, totaling $935,000, from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This funding is set to establish the Coalition for Regenerative Ecologies and Agriculture (CREA), a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering the next generation of leaders in sustainable agriculture and conservation.

CREA, with locations in San Antonio and Veracruz, Mexico, is committed to training at least 40 undergraduate and graduate students in regenerative agriculture, a method that emphasizes the restoration and enhancement of ecosystems through increased biodiversity and improved water management. This approach not only aids in soil health and crop yields but also presents a sustainable model for future agricultural practices.

This initiative is backed by the USDA Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program, designed to elevate educational opportunities that prepare underrepresented students for pivotal roles in food, agriculture, and natural resource sectors.

Amelia King-Kostelac, assistant professor of practice in UTSA’s Department of Integrative Biology and the project’s principal investigator, highlighted the program’s comprehensive approach, which integrates environmental justice, natural resource conservation, and regenerative ecology. “Students will be immersed in research projects and real-world applications, working closely with experts in agriculture and ecology,” she stated.

The grant will enable a minimum of 10 students annually from UTSA and St. Philip’s College to engage in various experiential learning opportunities, including community fellow programs, study abroad experiences in Mexico, and farming internships. These experiences aim to equip students with practical skills and knowledge in global-resource management, community-engaged research, and transcultural literacy.

The collaborative effort involves a network of organizations committed to regenerative ecological practices, such as Estampa Verde and Terra Advocati, which have a longstanding history of fostering soil, water, and biodiversity restoration projects.

UTSA and its partners, including faculty from both UTSA and St. Philip’s College, bring a wealth of expertise across environmental science, regenerative agriculture, and ecological practices. This multidisciplinary team is poised to offer students a rich educational experience that blends scientific research with hands-on learning in regenerative agriculture.

As UTSA continues to strengthen its commitment to transdisciplinary research excellence and student success, the CREA program stands as a testament to the university’s dedication to innovative education and sustainable practices. “Our vision,” King-Kostelac concluded, “is to foster a transnational student exchange program that not only advances environmental research and teaching but also promotes community engagement across borders.”

With the USDA grant, UTSA is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and conservation, offering underserved students unparalleled opportunities to make significant contributions to the field.