As part of the 2026 4-H Pinckney Leadership Conference, high school juniors and seniors learned the science of peas, lentils and chickpeas during a Pulses 4-Health workshop held at Clemson University on Tuesday, June 9.
“The purpose of this workshop was to introduce youth leaders to pulse crops such as dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas,” said Rushawnda Olden, Clemson 4-H Pinckney Leadership director. “The workshop also introduced them to genetics, plant breeding and food applications, while highlighting how the CAFLS Plant Sciences team is using genetics to address real-world challenges.”
Students learned about the different types of pulse crops and their uses and applications; about genetics, Gregor Mendel and supercomputing; and about healthy diets that feature pulse crops as a major component.
In the plant breeding part of the workshop, the students gained hands-on experience through lab and greenhouse activities.
They also learned about healthy diets that incorporate pulse crops as a key nutritional component, and they discovered potential college majors, career pathways and opportunities within the plant sciences field.
“This experience aligns directly with 4-H’s mission of helping youth become Beyond Ready by exposing them to higher education opportunities, career pathways and emerging industries,” Olden said. “With the help of Dr. Dil Thavarajah and her team, we were able to expose youth from every region of South Carolina to the exciting opportunities available in plant sciences.”
The workshop included lectures, lab exercises and a visit to the greenhouses.
A total of 37 youth leaders participated, representing 34 schools across 15 South Carolina counties: York, Richland, Jasper, Spartanburg, Florence, Lexington, Sumter, Charleston, Beaufort, Horry, Chester, Williamsburg, Marion, Orangeburg and Dorchester.
Participating schools included: Academic Magnet High School, Blythewood High School, Burke High School, Carolina Forest High School, Chester High School, Clover High School, Dutch Fork High School, Hardeeville Junior Senior High School, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Irmo High School, James F. Byrnes Freshman Academy, Kingstree High School, Lexington High School, Maleckar Academy, Marion High School, May River High School, Nation Ford High School, Orangeburg High School for Health Professions, Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence, South Carolina Virtual Charter School, Spartanburg High School, Spring Hill High School, Summerville High School, Sumter High School, Westwood High School, Wilson High School and homeschooled students.
Here are some pictures of the adventure:
