Recruiting Young Students from Underrepresented Groups into Agricultural Sciences.

Undergraduate plant science volunteer students of California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) had an opportunity to help educate underrepresented minority (URM) students with the Migrant Institute of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Leadership Program. This program is a collaboration between the Fresno State Outreach and Special Programs, and the Education Leadership Foundation of Fresno. The goal of the program is to expose students to science, agriculture, careers and college life. Undergraduate students participated throughout the two-week summer session and educated 89 high school students from the Central Valley region of California. The members presented various lectures in agricultural science and gave hands-on laboratory and field experience. The topics ranged from soil science, including texture, structure, morphology and taxonomy, integrated pest management, pathology, horticulture, agricultural mechanics and careers in agriculture. The students learned about the importance of furthering their education, and the career opportunities available to them in the agricultural industry. Plant science student volunteers identified with the social and educational barriers they face by mentoring them with their own personal stories, knowledge and enthusiasm for agriculture. Students gained a broader understanding of agriculture, career opportunities and the sustainability of our future in agriculture.