Successful Programming for the Recruitment of Underrepresented Student Populations in Agriculture: A Case Study of a Diversity Initiative at an 1862 Land-Grant University
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v66i1.2785Keywords:
Colleges of Agriculture, college recruitment, college retention, underrepresented minorities, Low Socioeconimic Status, LGBTQ+, First-Generation College Student, Racial Minoirty StudentsAbstract
Effective recruitment initiatives for underrepresented student populations interested in pursuing degrees in agricultural-related sciences have the potential to diversify colleges of agriculture while also increasing enrollment. In the current study, we used a qualitative case study approach to examine the effectiveness of the recruitment initiative, called the Ag Fellows Program, designed to attract underrepresented populations to agricultural-related majors. The case was bounded by time and place; for instance, we analyzed the outcomes from the Ag Fellows Program from Fall 2021 and 2022 cohorts at an 1862 Land-Grant University. As a result, the underrepresented student populations reported lacking information about the agricultural industry before the Ag Fellows Program and perceived that agriculture was limited to farming, ranching, and other related careers. Further, they indicated that academic interests, financial aid, and an amiable atmosphere were influential factors when deciding to pursue a degree in agricultural-related sciences. As a result, we recommend conducting additional research to evaluate the effectiveness of other strategic programming initiatives designed by colleges of agriculture to attract more educated, diverse employees into the agricultural workforce.
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