SEEDS: The power of a national mentoring and minority peer network

Background/Question/Methods  

The ESA Office of Education and Diversity Programs offers programs and services to support undergraduate students interested in ecology and related sciences through our SEEDS - Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability – program. It was established in 1996 as a partnership with the United Negro College Fund, under the leadership of the Institute of Ecosystem Studies.

Since 2002, program activities have expanded to include ecological field trips for students new to ecology, travel scholarships to the ESA Annual Meetings to present their science and have a taste of the scientific community, undergraduate research fellowships for those serious about a career in ecology and leadership meetings to build applied skills in science communication, policy and service. Direct support was offered to 488 students between 2002-2011 through these opportunities.  40% of these students were served more than once, reflecting the nurturing philosophy of SEEDS.

The SEEDS ecology chapter network now include 73 campuses across the country and three high schools, serving more than 2,000 students since 2002. Chapters are eligible to apply for small maintenance grants and special projects grants. In 2010, SEEDSNet, a social networking site, was launched, offering forums, virtual career fairs and webinars. 

Results/Conclusions

SEEDS was awarded the 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM), the highest award of its kind in the nation.

The SEEDS program has achieved a high level of racial/ethnic diversity. Among those directly served (n=488), 32% are African American, 35% Hispanic, 13% Native American, 10% Caucasian, 7% Asian, 3% Pacific Islander and 1% multi-racial.

The success of SEEDS is most evident in the results of the SEEDS Research Fellowship program.  Of the 28 students in the program, six are currently PhD candidates, 9 are pursuing their Masters degrees. Ten are in the workforce in ecology/environmental related careers. 

Overall, the program’s impact on careers has been positive. A 2011 survey of SEEDS participants directly served (N=85) shows that of those in graduate school, 97% (N=35) are still in an ecology or environment-related field. Of those employed (N=43), 93% have remained in the field. When asked about the current ecological focus of their work (N=58), the most commonly indicated category is Conservation and resource management, followed by plant ecology and aquatic ecology. 

The success of SEEDS lies in dedicated mentoring by ESA members, follow-up through SEEDS campus chapters and SEEDSNet, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere.