This presentation highlights how Amarillo College’s STEM Research Center integrates undergraduate research and digital learning strategies to build agricultural literacy, improve student outcomes, and strengthen connections between teaching and research. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Amarillo College serves a diverse student body, many of whom are first-generation, low-income, or returning adult learners. By embedding research opportunities and data literacy into introductory courses, the program seeks to close equity gaps and foster persistence in STEM fields.

In one course, students participated in a pre- and post-course agriculture appreciation survey, revealing significant gains in awareness of agriculture’s role in climate resilience, public health, and food systems. Students also used Google Notebook to evaluate and annotate sources in a scaffolded assignment distinguishing peer-reviewed research from popular press. One student reflected: “I never realized how much misinformation was out there until I had to explain why a source wasn’t credible.” Another shared: “Learning how to spot legit science makes me feel more confident in other classes too.”

Hands-on research experiences were also central. Students contributed to projects ranging from mosquito vector tracking to plant gene expression, working alongside faculty and graduate mentors. These opportunities allowed students to practice experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, skills typically reserved for upper-division university settings. Outcome data show that research students had higher GPAs, retention rates, and transfer rates than peers who did not participate in research experiences.

By combining accessible digital tools, authentic research, and culturally responsive pedagogy, this model offers a scalable approach to integrating education and research in the first two years of college.

Keywords: Undergraduate Research, Agricultural Literacy, Equity in STEM Education, Digital Learning Tools.