LB 18-159 - Introducing field and professional opportunities to high school students of color and investigating their interest in pursuing a career in forestry and/or natural resources in North Carolina

The North Carolina State University College of Natural Resources High School Summer Research Program (NCSU-CNR HSSRP) was designed for students of color to receive an introduction to forestry by performing hands on field research. This 4-week summer research program is intended to increase awareness, exposure, and to recruit students of color into forestry and/or natural resources (FNR). Prior to starting the program, students were given the Women and Men in Engineering Pre-College Recruiting survey seeking to identify the percentage of students familiar with FNR and their interest in pursuing a FNR career. The same survey was administered to students once the program concluded. Evidence collected at the beginning and end of the program revealed that only 18% of the students were interested in pursuing a career in FNR prior to beginning the program. At the conclusion of the program, post surveys revealed students’ interest in pursuing a FNR career decreased to merely 8%. This decrease was likely due to 64% of the students spending less than 7 hours outside per week compared to 36% of the students that spent 7-14 hours outdoors with a small percentage remaining that spent more than 14 hours outside per week. Though the surveys demonstrated students were less interested in a FNR career after participating in the program, the NCSU-CNR HSSRP was beneficial to students since 55% had never composed a research poster. In addition, 82% of the students were reported to have never presented at a research symposium. By participating in this program, all students were able to achieve these tasks before the program ended. Overall, there were 55% of students planning to pursue a science career, though many of them expressed no interest in FNR. A total of 27% of the students were undecided which demonstrates the ability to have an impact on their future majors/career options. For the next student cohort, the program directors will seek to share/demonstrate other options in FNR careers that do not require people to work outdoors most of the time since when asked about what FNR scientists do, 91% of the students answered that they mainly work outside. In the end, 18% of the students suggested that they would pursue a career in FNR while 55% of the students were unsure. Additionally, 100% of participants suggested they would recommend the research program to their peers.