Presented By: Angel Cruz, North Carolina State University

Climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation are complex challenges that require innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to research and education. In addition to attracting and training more students to agricultural careers, there is a need for targeted recruitment of under-represented groups. To meet the demand for skilled professionals and increase minority participation in the agricultural workforce, NC State University developed the Agroecology Scholars Program In Research and Extension Internship (ASPIRE). The goal of this research was to evaluate the learning and the potential impact on long-term plans of the participants. The research consisted of descriptive surveys conducted with 36 students who completed the program. We used one group pre-test and post-test design to collect program outcome data. Survey instruments consisted of 5-point Likert scales to document participants' perceived knowledge about careers available in agriculture and knowledge gains. We included participants' intended career choice changes, skill and knowledge changes, their level of satisfaction with the training, what they like the most, their suggestions to improve the program, most significant learning outcome, and one thing they plan to apply in their degree program at the post-test. More than 60% of participants were from underrepresented minority groups. Comparison of pre and post-tests confirmed that all participants increased knowledge and skills. Looking at potential practice changes, 73% of interns said they plan to seek future internships or other professional development opportunities to expand their agricultural knowledge and experience, whereas only 19% reported that they were already planning on this. Additionally, 54% of interns reported that as a result of the program they intend to pursue a career in agriculture. By engaging these diverse undergraduates in hands-on, cutting-edge agriculture and food systems research while providing structured professional development and mentorship, we have increased both student interest and capacity to pursue careers in agriculture.