The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) is one of the largest rodeos in the world. This event has grown to be a city favorite, providing entertainment, agricultural education, and livestock exhibitions. 27 students from Cristo Rey Jesuit and Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men attended the Sustainable Communities Project Educational Tour of the HLSR.
Students toured the AGventure exhibit and were assigned an Agricultural Scavenger Hunt to gain a greater understanding of Texas Agriculture. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Tour Speaker, Brittany Carpenter, provided students a brief synopsis of the purpose of the HLSR, its economic impact on the city of Houston, and scholarship opportunities.
Surveys indicated that students left the event with an increase in knowledge of agriculture in urban areas, its role in daily life, and careers options.
Since 2015, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Program, Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School, and Mickey Leland College Preparatory School for Young Men have partnered to provide urban youth educational experiences with AgriSciences, career options, agricultural collegiate programs, health, and community sustainability.
Managed by the 4-H & Urban Youth Development unit and supported by the Children, Youth, and Families at Risk Initiative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this five year project delivers a variety of trainings and activities to enhance the understanding of gardening, agricultural sciences, engineering, and agri-business.
Students at Hartsfield Elementary had an opportunity to participate in a NASA Downlink conversation with former 4-Her and Astronaut Peggy Whitson. This opportunity was done in collaboration between NASA and National 4-H.
Students from Hartsfield were able to ask questions to Astronaut Whitson and watch her give her answers LIVE from the International Space Station. Twenty questions were asked by 4-Hers in the 3rd-5th grade. This was a great opportunity for students to see what they may be able to achieve if they keep pursuing their dreams. This was the first downlink that an HISD school participated in since 2010 with Johnston Middle School.
Harstfield downlink
Sustainable Communities Project
educational tour of hlsr