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.