Describe the Issue or Situation.

Youth are highly interested in natural resources and understanding how the world around them functions. There is a paucity in programs targeting high school students who have specific interests relating to this topic to help expose them to careers and educational pathways in this field. 

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

The Kentucky Forest Leadership Program was created to expose high school students to advanced training in natural resources and careers that exist within them through a week-long camp. Partnering with Forestry and Natural Resource Extension was the Division of Forestry and Entomology Extension to help cover additional components of natural resource management. 

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

For the last 8 years of Wildlife Extension's involvement the camp has reached capacity of 25 high school students, with each year creating greater interest from the public to get accepted to the program. This past year we had 25 students from 7 states at the camp with 80% of them being female participants and the average age being 16.5.  

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

All attendees increased their knowledge of natural resources and associated management. >20% had expressed interest in pursuing more information related to careers and higher education programs in natural resource fields.