The program focused on on providing students interested in studying livestock and animal science insight on opportunities available in higher education. "It's exciting because we get to have the cream of the crop visit our facilities and see what we have to offer in the animal science program here at Texas Tech," said Moriah Beyers, the coordinator of meat science programs.

The ambassador program is offered at both Texas A&M and Texas Tech with 25 students invited to participate at each campus. The 4-H'ers attend classes and seminars designed to enhance knowledge and skills to become ambassadors for animal science and the livestock industry. During the course, students are exposed to college-level animal science curriculum and given the opportunity to discuss topics such as food safety, nutrition, reproduction and animal well-being. 

Beyers said students also get the opportunity to interact with Texas Tech students to learn more about the animal science program. After the three-day course, students earn the title of ambassador and are required to log at least 30 hours of service annually helping with 4-H projects and educating fellow students.

Earlier this week, for the first time, Texas Tech hosted another part of the ambassador program called the, 'Advocacy Academy.' Students who attended the ambassador program the previous year were eligible to apply for the 25 spots open in the Advocacy Academy.

The academy looked deeper into lessons taught in the ambassador program.  Students were instructed on communication and marketing topics, such as media training and how to help them in promoting the agriculture industry. Beyers said their program is excited to educate the next generation of agricultural industry leaders. Texas Tech will benefit from getting exceptional prospective students on campus to meet our faculty, staff and students," Beyers said. "Hopefully these students will consider attending Texas Tech when they decide where to further their education."

Written by Grace Acuna

CONTACT: Moriah Beyers, Coordinator of Meat Science Programs, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806)742-2805, ext. 248 or moriah.beyers@ttu.edu

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Editor's Note: For more information, go to http://today.ttu.edu/2013/07/agriculture-programs-bring-youth-to-texas-tech-campus/