Poster #58 - Examining Youth Pathways in Conservation and Environmental Science

• In Event: 21.063 - MTCC Poster Session Three
  In Poster Session: 21.063-5 - Interdisciplinary Environmental Thought in Action: Schooling and Education

Abstract

This longitudinal study aims to deepen our understanding of why youth from underrepresented backgrounds with deep interest, aptitude, and achievement in conservation science do or do not pursue conservation and/or environmental science college degrees. Drawing on data from approximately 60 urban youth participating in, or alumni of, a mentored conservation science research internship program, we examine the potential role of youths’ mentored research experiences and their social networks in youths’ decisions to pursue conservation degrees and careers. Findings from this study may contribute new insights into the features of informal and formal education settings that may best support the conservation pathways of youth from diverse socioeconomic and racial backgrounds, particularly first-generation college students and youth from immigrant families.

Authors

• Rachel Chaffee, American Museum of Natural History

• Mark Weckel

• Preeti Gupta, American Museum of Natural History

• Karen M. Hammerness, American Museum of Natural History

• Timothy Podkul, SRI International

• Kea Anderson, SRI International