The James Harrison Hill, Sr. Young Scholar Enhancement Grant Program is an extension of SSARE’s Research & Education Grants program, which allows researchers conducting SSARE-funded projects to partner with high school and undergraduate students on sustainable agriculture research.
The first James Harrison Hill, Sr. Young Scholar Enhancement Grants were awarded in 2013 with the goal to engage youth in the research process and encourage the pursuit of college degrees emphasizing sustainable agriculture. In 2025, 8 young scholars were selected for the program. A digital copy of their research posters can be found below.
LS22-366 Development of Sustainable Strategies for Managing Bacterial Diseases and Improving Tree Health in the Peach Production System The project evaluated different biopesticide treatments to integrate into current spray programs for managing bacterial spot in field conditions.
LS22-374 Effects of Cover Crop Interseeding on Root Morphological Traits of Organic Corn Interseeding cover crops into organic corn can enhance belowground processes, yet it remains unclear whether or not responses reflect complementarily or competitively. This project studied these dynamics.
LS24-395 Project not yet completed.
LS24-396 Allelopathic Cover Crops, Roller Crimping, and Soil Steaming as an Integrated Non-chemical Weed Management Strategy in Tomato The project studied soil steaming, cover crops, and roller crimping as non-chemical, organic control methods for managing yellow nutsedge in tomato.
LS24-399 Efficacy of Biochar to Improve Physiological Parameters of Vegetable Crop: Experiential summer learning for an undergraduate student Clay loam soils in South Texas are dense, compacted, and poorly draining, limiting crop productivity and long-term soil health. This project was part of an ongoing research effort on sustainable soil management practices for clay heavy soils. The main objective of the project was to compare the effects of organic amendments (cow manure, vermicompost), synthetic fertilizer, and biostimulants, against biochar paired with a cover crop system in okra in clay loam soils.
EDS23-052 Arkansas AgFoodLife Young Scholar Program The goal of this project was to create a collegiate intership focused on implementing statewide AgFoodLife experiences, outreach, mentorship, and leadership of young rural, first-gen scholars.
EDS24-060 Developing Resilient Agricultural Research and Education System to Enhance Sustainability Through the project, sustainable agriculture activities were conducted to develop technical skills, enhance career readiness, and evaluate program impacts through targeted mentorship, hands-on experiences, and structured training to strengthen the understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions.
EDS24-068 Extension Experiences and Training in Best Management Practices During the Kidding/Lambing Season for an Undergraduate Animal Science Student Improving newborn survival rates on small ruminant farms is critical to the long-term viability of goat and sheep farming. This project trains students on the importance of best management practices to decrease animal mortality during the kidding/lambing seasons.
