About REYAP

Who We Are

REYAP, pronounced “REAP,”  stands for the Retired Educators for Youth Agricultural Programs.  REYAP, a statewide nonprofit organization, helps culturally diverse youth in Grades 7-12 realize the personal growth and career opportunities available in the field of agriculture.

REYAP Purpose

REYAP focuses on four key programming elements: leadership, scholarship, citizenship and economic development. Foundations are built that promote personal and economic opportunities in agriculture for Oklahoma’s underserved youth through project development and partnerships with educational and other community resources.

A word from Sam Combs on REYAP’s purpose:

“REYAP is a minority youth agriculture after school program that recruits, trains and develops 7th to 12th grade students for college and careers specifically in agriculture.”

Sam also explains,

“REYAP curriculum is built around leadership, school/scholarship, citizenship and economic development – focusing on leadership.”

 

REYAP Spells Success!

For 15 years, REYAP has been sowing and growing and is now reaping success. Early introduction to agricultural education strongly influences subsequent career choices.

  • All REYAP high school senior interns attend college with most majoring in agriculture.
  • REYAP’s programs and activities contributed to a 72 percent increase in students majoring in agriculture at Langston University.
  • Five REYAP students have been recognized as USDA 1890 National Scholars.
  • REYAP students have won national science research and public speaking competitions.
  • REYAP interns are recruited from across the nation.
  • REYAP alumni with degrees in agriculture are highly recruited for professional positions in fields such as natural resource management, animal science, agribusiness, agricultural education and food science.

Economic Benefits of REYAP

Agriculture contributes more than $7 billion to the state of Oklahoma. By exposing high school students to such careers as ag-science, ag-engineering and related fields we believe the pipeline/number of minorities working in the industry will increase.

Careers in agriculture promote economic development. REYAP partners with government, private industry and other nonprofit organizations to provide a structured curriculum with hands-on programs.

Login