Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources & Related Sciences (MANRRS)

What is MANRRS?

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS) at the University of Minnesota (UMN) is home to one of the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Science (MANRRS) Collegiate Chapters. Involvement in our collegiate chapter offers students “access to valuable industry connections, internships, conferences, and opportunities for individuals pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, agriculture, mathematics, or related STEAM careers.” Participants in MANRRS are welcomed into a supportive community of their peers and Collegiate chapter advisors who work to connect them to unique opportunities that foster academic and career success.  

Membership in the CFANS/UMN Chapter of MANRRS is open to all U of M students. Our student members have an interest in acquiring “career and professional development within a welcoming environment and space that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences industries.” We look forward to welcoming you at one of our upcoming MANRRS events or meetings! 

Expand all

Why join MANRRS?

Membership in CFANS/UMN MANRRS Collegiate Chapter offers:

  • Interaction with other students pursuing career and professional development within a fun and welcoming environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences industries.
  • Scholarship, internship and career information.
  • Leadership roles within the chapter to develop and expand your resume.
  • Connection to regional, national, and international peers and industry contacts for networking. 
  • Group-sponsored social, development, and networking activities.
  • Eligibility to attend regional and national MANRRS conferences. 

How do I join the CFANS/UMN MANRRS Collegiate Chapter?

You can become a chapter member by contacting the CFANS Office for Inclusive Excellence. Throughout the academic year we will hold periodic membership information sessions. To be included in our CFANS MANRRS listserv for regular updates please email: cfans-oie@umn.edu

CFANS/UMN MANRRS Collegiate Chapter Objectives

Broadly speaking, MANRRS objectives include to: 

  • Increase the number of students studying the agricultural sciences and related fields at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Emphasize the importance of agricultural sciences and related fields.
  • Keep students abreast of state, national, and international trends in the agricultural sciences and related fields.
  • Encourage scholarly achievement, advancement, and excellence among members.
  • Develop leadership qualities in students.
  • Aid in the recruitment and placement of diverse candidates in professional positions in the agricultural sciences, forestry, and natural resources.
  • Encourage research and its dissemination by undergraduate and graduate students and/or professionals.
  • Promote career and academic counseling for undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Provide information on employment opportunities for participants.

History of MANRRS

“Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) began as a vision shared by a group of agriculture students and faculty at Michigan State University (MSU) and Pennsylvania State University (PSU). The goal was to develop a network between minority agriculture and natural resources students and professionals from academic institutions, government entities, and organizations within the industry.” - MANRRS (For more national organization history see MANRRS About Us)

Today, more than 50 universities have Collegiate MANRRS Chapters and an annual conference is held at sites across the United States. Approximately 900 students and professionals attend the yearly networking and professional development event.

The University of Minnesota CFANS MANRRS Collegiate Chapter began in 2018, when its chapter was chartered. We are proud to be a part of the national network of Collegiate MANRRS Chapters! 

Junior MANNRS

Junior MANRRS is a pre-college initiative outreach program of the National Society of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS). Junior MANRRS members are affiliated with the National Society through membership with a local MANRRS chapter. 

Membership in Junior MANRRS is available for students in grades 7-12. Minnesota middle and high schools interested in learning more about pursuing a Junior MANRRS chapter should reach out for more information. For more information on Junior MANRRS opportunities contact: cfans-oie@umn.edu.