Agricultural Ambassadors Practicum

Agricultural Ambassadors Practicum

During September of 2018, eleven VASCI majors served as Agricultural Ambassadors at the Big E - Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. The students were completing phase one of a Public Outreach Practicum, taught by Katie Beltaire, DVM which involved gaining experience in (1) public speaking, (2) promotion of awareness of animal husbandry and agriculture, and (3) assessment of the general public's response to educational events and displays.

During the second phase of the Practicum, students wrote reaction papers summarizing their outreach experiences at the Big E and met to discuss and critically evaluate research articles related to public education methods employed by museums and zoos.

Students concluded the Practicum by creating and presenting their own educational displays, which will be used at the Bay State Livestock Classic in the spring of 2019.