Texas Tech’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources welcomed 35 high school students from across the High Plains and Panhandle counties today (Mar.29) to a special ‘Rural Youth Catalyst Summit’ with a specific goal of empowering participants in understanding rural strengths and challenges and how they can make an impact in their rural community.
Designed for talented, driven young individuals from rural areas, the exclusive event at the National Ranching Heritage Center on the Texas Tech campus brought together bright minds who were ready to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities facing rural communities today.
“The summit was a unique and free opportunity for high school sophomores and juniors from rural communities to engage in leadership development, skill-building workshops, and discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing youth in rural areas,” said summit-cohost and Davis College Associate Dean for Outreach & Engagement Erica Irlbeck. “It brought together students, community leaders, and professionals to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.”
“We want youth to understand they can make an impact in their local communities. We hope that their time at the Catalyst Summit helps them explore their own leadership capabilities,” added Jason Headrick, summit cohost and Assistant Professor of Leadership & Community Development within the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications.
The morning session featured a ‘Meet West Texas! Networking Session,’ followed by workshops on ‘Leadership & Marketing Yourself’ and ‘Future of Agriculture, Water, & Rural Communities.’ The luncheon keynote speaker was Calina Mishay, better known as Cal, who is a West Texas-based mural artist and the host of Cal’s Hometown Revival who centered the talk on making an impact and not being afraid to take chances. She also highlighted her show, which is available on The Discovery Channel.
The afternoon session spotlighted a Hometown Heroes Panel, West Texas Community Storytelling activity, and the students were able to brainstorm solutions for challenges they see happening around West Texas through learning problem-solving strategies.
The Youth Summit is part of the We Love West Texas Davis College Catalyst.’ Researchers are interested in learning more about rural areas and deepening the knowledge around agriculture, leadership, and general community health and well-being. For more information, please click here.
CONTACT: Clint Krehbiel, Dean, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Clint.Krehbiel@ttu.edu
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