Congratulations to AREC sophomore Katie Collins on becoming the first Tennessean to win the National 4-H Council’s Youth in Action Award, which recognizes projects that are making a positive impact in their communities! Katie is one of only four 4-H students to win this national award.

Working closely with her 4-H agent, she conceptualized and developed a program called See Yourself in Ag. The program stemmed from working with students in the classroom and seeing them struggle to connect the dots between the food in their lunch boxes to agriculture. Growing up on a Tennessee dairy farm, Katie understands the agriculture industry as a whole and how it works together.

“I recognized that kids, even in rural communities, didn’t know where their food came from, and they don’t understand that agriculture can encompass more than just farming.”

“I wanted to help them connect those dots. I wanted to show kids where their food comes from and what the agriculture industry looks like. I also want them to understand the importance of agriculture.”

Katie’s program exposes students to a variety of agricultural industries and professionals to emphasize that agriculture is many things. “It’s economics, technology, business, and finances. It’s being a farmer, but it’s also lots of other things: it’s being a lobbyist, selling insurance, being an activist.”

Winning the national 4-H award will help her reach even more students, as it provides additional opportunities to showcase her work and serve as an official 4-H spokesperson for Youth in Action. The award also includes a $5,000 higher education scholarship.

A food and ag business major interested in pursuing a career in agricultural law, Katie describes her experiences in the department as “amazing.” We’re glad you chose AREC and are proud to see you advocate for agriculture in the classrooms!

Congratulations on your award-winning project, Katie!