The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Athletics Department recently partnered with James Bunch, president of PickinGreens Productions, and the 1890 Agriculture and Student Athletes (ASAP) Project to receive an $80,000 award in name, image and likeness (NIL) contracts.
The 1890 ASAP program is twofold: it aims to promote equity and sponsor opportunities for the 1890 student-athletes at UAPB, supporting them academically, athletically and professionally. Secondly, ASAP provides a platform to encourage these athletes to be ambassadors for agriculture.
Bunch, a UAPB agriculture alumnus, explained with his partners on the project, Johnnie Young and Theodis Bunch, that this opportunity is to build awareness and create interest in agriculture as a thriving career path. When asked why the 1890 ASAP program focuses on agriculture, Bunch explained how the U.S. agricultural sector faces challenges like an aging workforce, shrinking rural communities and a growing need for sustainable practices. He explained that outreach has become crucial to attract and prepare a new, diverse generation for careers in agriculture.
“For decades, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has developed outreach programs to engage underserved communities, raising awareness and improving access to agricultural careers and business opportunities. Agriculture provides a unique chance for today’s generation to build self-sufficiency, food security and land stewardship through hands-on skills. By engaging these young student-athletes, we are reaching a generation that can lead our communities toward sustainable, resilient futures,” Bunch said.
The 1890 ASAP Program will launch Feb. 1 and continue until May 31. The program already has 28 student-athletes enrolled with NIL contracts. The student-athletics will use their social media influence to raise awareness about agriculture industries, agriculture careers and business opportunities among their peers and followers.
Bunch explained that this partnership with UAPB athletics is a pilot to kick off this program for all 1890 institutions.
“This is unique; it’s never been done before, and utilizing athletes will help us get attention on agriculture while also giving these young people in the 1890 system opportunities to gain sponsorship support,” said Bunch.
Young further elaborated on the program’s importance and stated that it is an opportunity to challenge the perception of what agriculture is and bring a more positive perspective to the younger generations, which will encourage them to learn about opportunities available in agriculture careers.
Theodis Bunch went on to say that, “it will demonstrate that the field is more than just driving tractors and harvesting crops.”
Another initiative of this program is to help encourage young business-savvy individuals to learn how to create urban gardens and/or start small-scale farms in their communities while also encouraging the community to invest in local students. Bunch stated that this will help, “grow your neighborhood business culture with agriculture.”
For more information about the 1890 ASAP program and this partnership, visit its website at www.1890asap.com.
