Inspiring the Next Generation: Junior MANRRS Summer Leadership Institute Program

July 2025

By Clarisa Caballero-Ignacio
Coordinator of Student Outreach and Retention
College of Agricultural Sciences | Academic Programs Office
MANRRS & SACNAS Chapter Advisor

The Junior MANRRS Program is more than just an introduction to agriculture and leadership; it’s a transformative experience that helps students see themselves in careers and spaces they may never have imagined. Over the course of a week, 12 high school students built skills, connected with mentors, and gained hands-on exposure to STEM and agriculture-related fields, all while forming a network of peers who share their drive and passion.
   

Program Highlights

• Student Panel — Hearing real college stories, advice, and encouragement from current students.
• College Preparedness Workshops — Navigating the admissions process, understanding financial aid, and building skills for academic success.
• Applied Academics — Implementing mathematics and language arts through hands-on activities, real-world problem solving, and an essay writing workshop focused on crafting personal statements for college applications.
• Vet School Tour — Exploring the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Strawberry DNA Extraction — Hands-on science with Team Tox.
• Financial Literacy Workshop — Learning smart money skills with U.S. Bank.
• Beaver Classic Creamery — Discovering the connection between food science and entrepreneurship.
• Nature & Industry Tours — From wildlife conservation to family farms and agricultural co-ops.
• Kayaking Tour — Explored the Newport Bay area, home to NOAA’s Marine Operations Center, and learned about the commercial and ecological importance of Oregon’s working waterfront.
• Coastal Experience — Visiting Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Hatfield Marine Science Center, and enjoying beach time.
• Daily Reflections — Students took time to process their experiences, share insights with peers, and set goals for their future educational and career paths.

On-Campus Experiences

Students kicked off the week with a leadership and team-bonding challenge course, followed by tours across Oregon State University. Highlights included the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Agricultural Sciences, the Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Centro Cultural César Chávez, and the Beaver Classic Creamery.

Interactive workshops covered OSU Admissions, Financial Aid, Benefits of Microgreens with Michel Wiman from the CAS Horticulture Department, Strawberry DNA Extraction with Team Tox, Financial Literacy with U.S. Bank, and the Career Passion Pipeline facilitated by Clarisa Caballero-Ignacio.

The Student Panel, featuring Clarisa Caballero-Ignacio, Emily Arras, Daniela Garcia, Fatima Munoz, and Rosemberg Bedolla, provided authentic insight into college life and career pathways.

Off-Campus Learning: Out of the Classroom, Into the World

• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Dissected owl pellets, explored trails, and identified native birds in the wild with Ricardo Rodriguez.
• Xicha Brewing - Toured a Latin-owned brewery and learned the fermentation process of hops and barley with Maggie and Charlie.
• Coleman Agriculture - Visited a sixth-generation family-owned farm cultivating hops, hazelnuts, and more with Ivy and Micah (OSU alum).
• Pratum Co-Op - Learned how the co-op supports farmers with tailored services, hosted by Angel (a proud MANRRS alum) and Jovani (CAS alum).
• Kayaking Tour - While paddling, students observed starfish, fish, crabs, and other marine life, gaining a deeper understanding of coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, and the balance between commercial use and conservation.
• Coastal Adventures - Experienced Yaquina Head Lighthouse, explored marine science at Hatfield Marine Science Center, and relaxed with beach time at the Pacific Coast. Thank you to Felice Yarbough for her help during our Newport trip.

By the end of the week, students left with more than just memories—they carried forward purpose, direction, and a clear sense of belonging in higher education and professional spaces.

“I’ve learned a lot throughout this week. It’s encouraging to see sweet people like Clarisa, willing to invest their time in us, so that we can succeed. Everyone deserves the opportunity and chance to experience this program and know that there are people who want to see us go to college and want to see us go somewhere in life.” 
~Madison U.

“I was able to expand my viewpoints of the agricultural field. It was awesome seeing young, first-generation, and Latin students intrigued in pursuing a career in agricultural fields.”
~Erik M.

Special thanks to the College Assistant Migrant Program (Maria Andrade and Amas Aduviri), Oregon Migrant Leadership Institute, Junior MANRRS mentors, and the Oregon Department of Migrant Education Program for their generous funding support.

Thank you to every individual and organization who shared not only their knowledge but also their lived experiences. These moments inspired students to dream bigger, see themselves in new roles, and believe in their potential.

The Junior MANRRS Program continues to be a bridge between curiosity and opportunity—ensuring that every student knows they belong in higher education, leadership, and the industries shaping our future.