Local high school students explore CFANS in immersive campus visit

May 30, 2025
Student Life
Stephen Kells talking with high schoolers.
Stephen Kells from the Department of Entomology shows carrion-feeding beetles and dead fish to Como Park Senior High School ninth graders. 

A group of 170 curious and energetic ninth graders from Como Park Senior High School in St. Paul recently spent a day exploring the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) on the St. Paul campus. The visit marked the culmination of their year-long participation in the 3DE program by Junior Achievement, which connects students with real-world learning experiences.

Throughout the day, students toured key campus landmarks including the St. Paul Student Center, the iconic Norman Borlaug statue, the plant growth facilities, and the beef barn. These stops offered a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world of food, agriculture, and environmental sciences.

Drew Carter high school event.
Drew Carter from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition demonstrates food sensory testing for the high schoolers. 

Hands-on activities brought CFANS disciplines to life. Students rotated through engaging sessions in plant science, food science and nutrition, entomology, and a systems thinking life cycle assessment. The interactive format allowed students to connect classroom concepts with real-world applications, sparking curiosity and new career interests.