#UAPBAthletics: $80,000 Awarded in NIL Partnership with UAPB Athletics and 1890 ASAP Program

2/7/2025 10:59:00 AM

$80,000 awarded in NIL partnership with UAPB Athletics and 1890 ASAP program

Pine Bluff, AR. — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Athletics Department recently partnered with James Bunch, president of PickinGreens Productions, and the 1890 Agriculture and Student Athletes (ASAP) Project to receive an $80,000 award in name, image and likeness (NIL) contracts. The 1890 ASAP program is twofold: it aims to promote equity and sponsor opportunities for the 1890 student-athletes at UAPB, supporting them academically, athletically and professionally. Secondly, ASAP provides a platform to encourage these athletes to be ambassadors for agriculture.

Bunch, a UAPB agriculture alumnus, explained with his partners on the project, Johnnie Young and Theodis Bunch, that this opportunity is to build awareness and create interest in agriculture as a thriving career path. When asked why the 1890 ASAP program focuses on agriculture, Bunch explained how the U.S. agricultural sector faces challenges like an aging workforce, shrinking rural communities and a growing need for sustainable practices. He explained that outreach has become crucial to attract and prepare a new, diverse generation for careers in agriculture.

"For decades, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has developed outreach programs to engage underserved communities, raising awareness and improving access to agricultural careers and business opportunities. Agriculture provides a unique chance for today's generation to build self-sufficiency, food security and land stewardship through hands-on skills. By engaging these young student-athletes, we are reaching a generation that can lead our communities toward sustainable, resilient futures," Bunch said.

The 1890 ASAP Program will launch Feb. 1 and continue until May 31. The program already has 28 student-athletes enrolled with NIL contracts. The student-athletics will use their social media influence to raise awareness about agriculture industries, agriculture careers and business opportunities among their peers and followers.

Bunch explained that this partnership with UAPB athletics is a pilot to kick off this program for all 1890 institutions. "This is unique; it's never been done before, and utilizing athletes will help us get attention on agriculture while also giving these young people in the 1890 system opportunities to gain sponsorship support," said Bunch.

Young further elaborated on the program's importance and stated that it is an opportunity to challenge the perception of what agriculture is and bring a more positive perspective to the younger generations, which will encourage them to learn about opportunities available in agriculture careers.

For more information about the 1890 ASAP program and this partnership, visit its website at www.1890asap.com.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

About the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is an 1890 Land-Grant HBCU with a diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty. For over 150 years, UAPB has worked to create an environment that emphasizes learning, growth and productivity while affording a basic need to its students: a chance to advance. UAPB offers certificate and associate degree programs, more than 50 undergraduate and master's degree programs, and a doctoral program in Aquaculture/Fisheries. Students are active in more than 100 organizations, including an internationally renowned Vesper Choir,
Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) Band, Concert Bands, Wind Symphony and an accomplished athletics program.

Contact Information:
Deseray McKinzy
Extension Specialist – Communications Manager
School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Email: mckinzyd@uapb.edu
Phone: 870-575-8227

#1Team1ROAR

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