From: Young, Misty [mailto:YoungM@lincolnu.edu] Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 10:22 AM Subject: Lincoln University Awarded Over $500,000 from USDA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT MISTY YOUNG (573) 681-6032 12/16/2015 LINCOLN UNIVERSITY AWARDED OVER $500,000 FROM USDA Jefferson City, MO- Lincoln University of Missouri was recently awarded two grants totaling over $500,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Lincoln University was one of 19 historically black colleges and universities awarded this year for teaching, research and extension initiatives. These grants are specifically allocated to support the advancement of agriculture, food and natural resources and human sciences for 1890 historically black land-grant colleges and universities. Lincoln University was awarded within the categories of teaching and research under the USDA's National Institution of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). "This grant is significant towards Lincoln University's recruitment and retention efforts in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences," says Dr. Abua Ikem, Associate Professor in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences." Ikem, who is listed as the grants principal investigator says the grant will be beneficial in attracting underrepresented and underserved students to the college. "During the next three years we will partner with the Jefferson City Public School System and other high schools in Missouri to attract diverse students, especially minorities and underserved individuals in our degree programs." The "Academics Agriculture Program" will serve as a pipeline for high school students to attend college, increase agriculture classroom resources, and provide scholarships to students taking dual enrollment agriculture courses on the campus of Lincoln University. "Summer institutes, field days, curriculum changes, scholarships, student support are key areas of this project," adds Ikem. Ikem will collaborate with fellow Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Professor Dr. James Wetzel and Jefferson City High School Assistant Principal Jacob Adams in the progressive expansion of the "Academics Agriculture Program." ### Misty Young Director, Office of University Relations 573-681-6032 www.lincolnu.edu<http://www.lincolnu.edu/> [150signature]