The Gateway Scholars Initiative sponsored by the Diversity in Agronomy, Crops, Soils and Environmental Sciences Committee (ACS 528),  endeavors to meet committee's objective of improving participation by students and professionals from under-represented groups in the agricultural and environmental sciences. With full support of the ASA, CSSA and SSSA, the Gateway Scholars Initiative is designed to introduce high school students to the multitude of scientific disciplines that members of ASA, CSSA and SSSA are engaged in by inviting students and teachers from local high school(s) to the annual conference. Invited high school students and teachers have the opportunity to participate in major symposia and interact directly with scientists. At the end of the program, leading researchers and educators deliver motivational lectures to the students. At the end of the program, all participants are requested to complete a survey questionnaire to determine students’ needs and interests. Information collected from this survey is used by the committee to further improvement the program.

 

In 2010, fifty students from Eagle Rock High School within the Los Angeles Unified School District were the first to benefit from this program during the conference that took place in Long Beach, CA.   During the 2011 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX, a total of 43 students and 6 teachers attended. At the 2011 Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, OH, twenty-eight students and four teachers attended. At the 2013 Annual Meeting in Tampa, FL, a total of 32 students and 6 teachers from four schools participated. The 2014 Annual Meeting will be back in Long Beach, CA. The Diversity Committee would like to continue this trend and invite 10 students from each of 5 selected high schools and provide a unique experience to potential and future scientists and leaders of this nation.