The TREE Program: A model for promoting and enhancing career development for underrepresented minorities in conservation and natural resources

Background/Question/Methods

Of the total degrees awarded nationwide in agriculture and natural resources in the United States, only 2-5% of the degrees are awarded to Hispanics. It is in the interest of society that a future trained cadre of minority, natural resource, professionals be available to influence minority populations in making judicious natural resource management decisions at all levels of government and within the public and private sector. The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institute, has advanced the quality of education for Hispanics ranking fourth overall in the total number of undergraduate degrees awarded to Hispanics in 2011 (56% of the degrees awarded). The TREE (Teaching and Research in Environmental Ecology) Program was designed to increase the number of underrepresented minorities who consider conservation and natural resource as a career, and who obtain advanced degrees.

Results/Conclusions

Study skill, scientific writing, grant writing, and leadership workshops increased the skills and confidence of the student participants. Role-model seminars increased awareness of career and research opportunities in natural resources and conservation. Attendance to local, regional, and national scientific meetings also increased the skills and confidence of student participants. Participants in the program were more likely than non-participants to consider graduate school. Of the ten students who completed the program, seven where undergraduates and three were graduate students. Of the undergraduates who completed the program, three have completed their master’s degree and one is working for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Of the graduate students who completed the program, one has completed his doctorate, one is a doctoral student, and one is applying for doctoral programs. Thirty-two posters were presented by the students at local, regional, and national scientific meetings. Supporting students financially allowed students to participate in career building-activities. Using workshops and role-model seminars, as well as providing financial support to attend scientific meetings and to the students directly appears to promote and enhance career development for underrepresented minorities in conservation and natural resources.