Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services (NMC-CREES) welcomes their new Agriculture Production Program Leader, Dr. Adrian Ares. Dr. Ares is a career scientist with a rich and diverse background. Born in Argentina, Dr. Ares earned his degrees in Forestry Engineering, Soil Science, and Agronomy. His extensive career has spanned across various institutions and countries, including five land-grant universities, the US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, and the Weyerhaeuser Company. 

This year marked 10 years of 4-H Camp Maga’lahi, an outdoor summer camp that empowers CNMI youth with skills and memories that will last a lifetime. Across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, this year’s Camp Maga’lahi trained and engaged 109 youth counselors ages 13 to 19. These skilled counselors successfully engaged over 300 campers, ages 5 to 12, by facilitating experiential learning activities and collaborating with partnering organizations. They created a fun-filled and secure environment that fostered a strong sense of belonging and inclusivity for all participants.

 Three students from Northern Marianas College participated in the Future of Agriculture Study Abroad program in Taiwan, a 15-day course held on the campus of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology through the University of Guam’s College of Natural & Applied sciences in July.

 Eighteen high school students successfully completed Rota’s inaugural annual Aquaculture Summer Youth Academy at the NMC Rota Center hosted by Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services Aquaculture and Natural Resources or A&NR program from July 29 to August 2, 2024.

This year’s 4-H Camp on Rota included 34 campers and 16 counselors, all contributing to community development and youth engagement. The Rota 4-H Camp Maga’lahi is a summer camp designed for children ages 7 to 12. It provides a memorable educational experience through a variety of outdoor activities, engaging presentations, and hands-on learning opportunities.

The Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services (NMC-CREES) is hosting free nutrition and healthy cooking classes through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) for all parents and caregivers of children under 18.