In many communities throughout America, black youth experience a plight that not only affects their ability to learn from an early age, from poor health and vital mineral deficiencies, but also causes developmental risks and behavioral problems (aggression, anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorder) (Cook & Frank, 2008; Whitaker, Phillips, & Orzol, 2006 – Source). Traumatic experiences can generate conflicts within the community where lack of access creates scarcity-minded behaviors that harm the whole. Due to COVID-19, more and more Americans of various ethnicities are experiencing an increase in the absence of adequate food supplies. “The USDA defines “food deserts” as places where residents must travel more than a mile (1.6 km) to reach a supermarket. It’s  estimated that approximately 23.5 million Americans live in such neighborhoods.” (Source) 

To alleviate this disadvantage for America’s youth collectively, PTI will provide ‘food security as an educational track to support the advanced knowledge for solution building around this growing problem. PTI’s goal is to provide a wholesome learning experience that will allow students to tap into any chosen area of problem-solving while understanding the entire issue of food insecurity and how individual and collective efforts can make a difference. Areas of concentration include agricultural science, supply chain logistics management, sustainable food systems, water and nutrient management, climate change awareness, food safety, and more.