The SU Ag Center announces the completion of its Digital Literacy Ambassadors Program
Baton Rouge, La. – Four Southern University College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences students received certificates of completion from the Southern University Ag Center’s Digital Literacy Ambassadors Program.
The program’s inaugural cohort consisted of Sophia Chenault, a junior majoring in Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in Agricultural Business and a minor in Supply Chain Management; Saige Kenner, a junior majoring in Agricultural Sciences; Bryman Williams, a junior majoring in Agricultural Business and Southern University’s SGA President-elect; and Leslie Womack II, a sophomore majoring in Plant and Soil Sciences. These undergraduate students have met all program requirements and are officially recognized as the first cohort of the Digital Literacy Ambassadors—marking a significant milestone in expanding community-based digital education through Cooperative Extension.
Through a structured training model, the ambassadors were equipped with skills in digital literacy instruction, curriculum delivery, and community engagement. They translated this training into action by successfully designing and implementing a multi-session Cooperative Extension program for seniors at the Charles R. Kelly Community Center. Their work directly increased participants’ confidence and ability to navigate essential digital tools, helping to reduce barriers to communication, access to services, and overall quality of life.
This initiative was supported through a digital literacy grant awarded by the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC), enabling the development of a sustainable, student-led model that builds both workforce readiness and community capacity.
“This program represents Extension at its best—meeting real community needs while preparing the next generation of leaders to do this work with excellence and purpose,” said Dr. Krystle J. Allen, Assistant Specialist for Community and Economic Development at the SU Ag Center. “This initiative is building a pipeline of future Extension professionals. Our students are gaining hands-on experience while addressing real needs, which is exactly how we strengthen both our workforce and our communities simultaneously.”
Special thanks to Ashley Bennett and Councilman Darryl Hurst for their continued support in making this program a success.
