Longitudinal mixed-methods examination of two consecutive field-based environmental biology research apprenticeship programs for precollege youth indicates that the two-stage apprenticeship structure influenced social cognitive career variables necessary for persistence in pursuit of an environmental research career pathway.
. Engaging pre-college youth in authentic fi eld research experiences is important for supporting entrance of young people into the environmental sciences. Here, we describe a model and outcomes for integration of career exploration programs into the research and restoration imperatives of a university fi eld station and a nature reserve. A progression of two partnered programs provide St. Louis area pre-college youth with fi eld skills and then the opportunity to apply those skills in assistance to scientists on current research projects. The model provides for early entry into the ecological research career pathway for the youth and creates benefi cial connection of professional activities to broader impacts outreach for the scientists. Importantly, the model differs from many other ecology outreach efforts because the youth programs are integrated into research rather than operating as separate outreach programs.With continued population growth and expansion of urban and suburban areas in the United States, we have a pressing need to train scientists interested in studying our rapidly changing natural environment. As we begin to address the necessity for a diversity of scientists to study growing impacts on ecosystems, it is important to recognize that most efforts to infl uence entry into environmental biology and ecology research are targeted at the undergraduate level. For example, the SEEDS program, ESA ' s signature effort to promote entry into and affect diversity within the ecology profession, is focused primarily on undergraduates. The successful efforts in undergraduatefocused programs are incredibly valuable, but efforts should also be made to infl uence entry into
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