Cooperative Development of Future Scientist Program

Abstract

Objective: The Future Scientists Program is designed to assist USDA AOA Agriculture Research Services (ARS) Program reach out to communities, schools (grades K-12), and university undergraduate students with hands-on, inquiry-based activities that link them with USDA/ARS scientists, laboratory sites and current agricultural science research. It will support the outreach efforts of USDA/ARS by linking labs with their local communities through holding science teacher professional development workshops with follow-up activities for students that encourage them to continue their studies in science. This is in line with the desire of USDA/ARS to increase the flow of potential scientists into the Agricultural Science pipeline. It will raise the profile of USDA/ARS labs, scientists, and research in local communities and will be expanded nationwide with a particular emphasis on areas with high minority student populations.